IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


// 


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z 


III  1.0 


I.I 


1.25 


Hf   lis    ill  2.0 


121    1^ 

1^ 


I-    u 

UUu 


1.8 


U    11.6 


L_ 


Photographic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  NY.  14580 

(716)  872-4503 


—  :5^S --■»-*t;*Wil«8ies*affl»" 


'Q. 


<? 


«- 


CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHM/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Cdnadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  de  micror«;productions  historiques 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notes/Notes  techniques  et  bibliographiques 


The  Institute  has  attempted  to  obtain  the  best 
original  copy  available  for  filming.  Features  of  this 
copy  which  may  be  bibliographically  unique, 
which  may  alter  any  of  the  images  in  the 
reproduction,  or  which  may  significantly  change 
the  usual  method  of  filming,  are  checked  beijw. 


L'Institut  a  microfilm6  le  meilleur  exemplaire 
qu'il  lui  a  6X6  possible  de  se  procurer.  Les  details 
de  cet  exemplaire  qui  sont  peut-dtre  uniques  du 
point  ae  vue  bibliographique,  qui  peuvent  modifier 
une  image  reproduite,  ou  qui  peuvent  exiger  une 
modification  dans  la  m6thode  normale  de  filmage 
sont  indiquds  ci-dessous. 


D 
D 
D 


Coloured  covers/ 
Couverture  de  couleur 

Covers  damaged/ 
Couverture  endommagde 

Covers  restored  and/o»  laminated/ 
Couverture  restaurde  et/uu  pelliculde 

Cover  title  missing/ 

Le  titre  de  couverture  manque 


□    Coloured  maps/ 
Cartes  gdographiques  en  couleur 

□    Coloured  ink  (i.e.  other  than  blue  oi  black)/ 
Encre  de  couleur  (i.e.  autre  que  bleue  ou  noire) 

□    Coloured  plates  and/or  illustrations/ 
Planches  et/ou  illustrations  en  couleur 


Bound  with  other  material/ 
Reli6  avec  d'au^res  documents 

Tight  binding  may  cause  shadows  or  distortion 
along  interior  margin/ 

La  reliure  serr6e  peut  causer  de  I'ombre  ou  de  la 
uistortion  le  long  de  la  marge  intdrieure 

Blank  leaves  added  during  restoration  may 
appear  within  the  text.  Whenever  possible,  these 
have  been  omitted  from  filming/ 
II  se  peut  que  certaines  pages  blanches  ajout^es 
lors  d'une  restauration  apparaissent  dans  le  texte, 
mais,  lorsque  cela  6tait  possible,  ces  pages  n'ont 
pas  6t6  filmdes. 


D 


D 


□   Coloured  pages/ 
Pages  de  couleur 

□    Pages  damaged/ 
Pages  endommagdes 

□    Pages  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Pages  restaur^es  et/ou  pellicul6es 


D 


Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxed/ 
Pages  ddcolor6es,  tachet^es  ou  piqu6es 


□    Pages  detf/ched/ 
Pages  d6tach§es 

□    Showthrough/ 
Transparence 

□    Quality  of  print  varies/ 
Quality  indgale  de  I'impression 

□    Includes  supplementary  material/ 
Comprend  du  mat6riel  suppl6mentaire 

□    Only  edition  available/ 
Seule  Edition  disponible 


D 


Pages  wholly  or  partially  obscured  by  errata 
slips,  tissues,  etc.,  have  been  refilmed  to 
ensure  the  best  possible  image/ 
Les  pages  totalement  ou  partiellement 
obscurcies  par  un  feuillet  d'errata,  une  pelure, 
etc.,  ont  6t6  filrn6es  d  nouveau  de  fagon  d 
obtenir  la  meilleure  image  possible. 


D 


Additional  comments:/ 
Commentaires  suppl6mentaires; 


This  item  Is  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  checked  below/ 

Ce  document  est  film6  au  taux  de  reduction  indiqud  ci-dessous. 

10X  14X  18X  22X 


26X 


SOX 


12X 


16X 


20X 


24X 


28X 


32X 


e 

6tails 
IS  du 
modifier 
ir  une 
ilmage 


es 


f  errata 
d  to 

\t 

le  pelure, 

pon  d 


The  copy  filmed  here  has  been  reproduced  thanks 
to  the  generosity  of: 


Library  of  Congress 
Photoduplication  Service 


■1.  f- 


The  images  appearing  here  are  the  best  quality 
possible  considering  the  condition  and  legibility 
of  the  original  copy  and  in  keeping  with  the 
filming  contract  specifications.  . 


Original  copies  in  printed  paper  covers  are  filmed 
beginning  with  the  front  cover  and  ending  on 
the  last  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, or  the  back  cover  when  appropriate.  All 
other  original  copies  are  filmed  beginning  on  the 
first  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, and  ending  on  the  last  page  with  a  printed 
or  illustrated  impression. 


The  last  recorded  frame  on  each  microfiche 
shall  contain  the  symbol  ^^  (meaning  "CON- 
TINUED"), or  the  symbol  V  (meaning    END"), 
whichever  applies. 

Maps,  plates,  charts,  etc.,  may  be  filmed  at 
different  reduction  ratios.  Those  too  large  to  be 
entirely  included  in  one  exposure  are  filmed 
beginning  in  the  upper  left  hand  corner,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  as  many  frames  as 
required.  The  following  diagrams  illustrate  the 
method: 


■^^1- 

2 

3 

L'exemplaire  film6  fut  reproduit  grdce  d  la 
gdndrositd  de: 

Library  of  Congress 
Photoduplication  Service 

Les  images  suivantes  ont  6t6  reproduites  avec  le 
plu&'  grand  soin,  compte  tenu  de  la  condition  et 
de  fa  nettetd  de  l'exemplaire  filmd,  et  en 
conformity  avec  les  conditions  du  contrat  de 
filmage. 

Les  exemplaires  originaux  dont  la  couverture  en 
papier  est  imprimde  sont  filmds  en  commenpant 
par  le  premier  plat  et  en  terminant  soit  par  la 
dernidre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration.  soit  par  le  second 
plat,  selon  le  cas.  Tous  les  autres  exemplaires 
originaux  sont  film^s  en  commenqant  par  la 
premidre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration  et  en  terminant  par 
la  derni^re  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
empreinte. 

Un  des  symboles  suivants  apparaitra  sur  la 
dernidre  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  selon  le 
cas:  le  symbole  -^  signifie  "A  SUIVRE  ",  le 
symbole  V  signifie  "FIN". 

Les  cartes,  planches,  tableaux,  etc.,  peuvent  dtre 
filmds  d  des  taux  de  reduction  diff6rents. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  dtre 
reproduit  en  un  seul  cliche,  il  est  film6  d  partir 
de  Tangle  sup6rieur  gauche,  de  gauche  d  droite, 
et  de  haut  en  bas,  en  prenant  le  nombre 
d'images  n6cessaire.  Les  diagrammes  su'vants 
illustrent  la  mdthode. 


32X 


i 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

TBB 


1/  J'U- 

imeiiTAiroB  oi-  i.iri«iTir*i.  mtowijdob! 

\ 

SERMON, 


DELIVERED  BEFORE  THE 


Socfrti^  tot  Utoiia0«tino  ttl^  <Kofimtl 


AMONG  THE 


INDI\NS  AND  OTHERS  IN  NORTH  AMERICA, 


IN   THE 


FXA8T  OBUROB,  BOSTOIT, 


NOVEMBKHS,  1825. 


[\CODMAN,  D.D. 


BY  JOHN' 

PASTOR    OF  THE   SECOND   CHURCH    IN   DORCHESTER. 


WITH   THE 


Hcjiort  of  tfte  Select  CommCttee. 


CAMBRIDGE : 

FROM  THE  UNIVERSITY  PRESS— HILUARU  AND  MKTCAl.V. 

1825. 


AT  A  MEETING  OF  THE  SOCIETV  3  NOVEMBER,  liiliJo, 

I'oleil,  That  the  Skcbetarv,  Dr.  Kirkland,  nnd  Dr.  Pierce,  be  a  Com- 

mittee,  «o  present  the  thanki  of  the  Society  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  Codman  for 

his  Sermon,  delivered  before  tliem  this  day,  and  to  request  a  co|)y  for  the 

press. 

(-'    ■■  A.  HOLMES,  Stcrelary. 


SERMON. 


MBEK,  lii20, 

r.  Pierce,  be  a  Corn- 
Rev.  Dr.  CoDMAN  for 
request  a  co|>y  for  (he 

OLMES,  Stcrelary. 


PROVERBS  xii.  2. 
THAT  THE  SOUL  BE  WITHOUT  KNOWLEDGE,  IT  IS  NOT  OOOD. 

Every  thing  that  relates  to  the  human  soul  is  deep- 
ly interesting  to  an  immortal  being.  The  body,  for 
which  we  are  so  anxious  to  provide,  must  soon 
moulder  in  the  grave.  In  a  few  years  it  will  be  in- 
corporated with  the  great  mass  of  matter,  and  the 
pains  which  we  have  taken  to  beautify  and  adorn  it 
will  be  lost  forever.  But  the  care,  bestowed  on  the 
soul  during  its  residence  in  clay,  will  be  felt  in  the 
world  of  spirits — the  bias,  given  to  its  operations  here, 
will  fix  its  state  hereafter — and  the  stamp,  impressed 
upon  it  in  time,  will  determine  its  happiness  or  misery 
in  eternity. 

That  this  spark  of  immortality  is  an  emanation  of 
Deity,  reason  as  well  as  revelation  assures  us — That 
it  is  corrupt,  impure,  and  unlike  the  source  from 
which  it  sprung,  is  the  dictate  of  experience  as  well 
as  of  scripture — That  purity  cannot  subsist  with  im- 
purity, that  holiness  is  inconsistent  with  sin,  is  evi- 
dent to  the  unprejudiced  understanding  of  every  man, 
and  that  Heaven,  the  habitation  of  holiness,  cannot 
he  the  abode  of  pollution  and  guilt,  is  a  conclusion 


that  will  not  be  resisted  by  a  reflectinj^  mind.  How 
important,  then,  is  that  method,  by  which  the  human 
soul  may  be  restored  to  the  imaj^e  of  its  Maker,  l)y 
whieh  its  natural  prospects  of  eternal  wrath  may  bo 
chaiigv^d  to  the  certain  hopes  of  the  full  and  endless 
enjoyment  of  God  !  Blessed  be  God,  that  there  is 
such  a  method.  The  salvation  of  the  soul  is  the  great 
object  in  the  economy  of  redemption.  To  obtain 
this,  the  Father  jiarted  with  the  Son  of  his  love— to 
secure  this,  the  Lord  of  glory  bled  on  the  cross — and 
to  accomplish  this,  the  Holy  Spirit,  who  commanded 
the  liiiht  to  shine  out  of  darkness,  liatb  shined  into 
the  hearts  of  his  people  to  give  liiem  the  ligiit  ol  the 
knowledge  of  the  glory  of  God  in  the  face  of  Jesus 
Christ.  In  view  of  the  connevion  of  kno>vledge  with 
the  eternal  interests  of  the  human  soul,  we  are  ready 
to  adopt  the  aphorism  of  the  wise  man — That  the 
soul  be  witi)out  knowledge,  it  is  not  good. 

This  saying  is  verified  by  daily  observation  and 
experience.  The  importance  of  knowledge  in  secu- 
lar concerns  is  generally  admitted. — Its  necessity  in 
the  various  occupations  of  life  cannot  be  questioned. 
It  is  indispensable,  not  only  in  those  pursuits,  which 
are  usually  denominated  the  learned  professions,  but 
it  is  also  requisite  in  the  ordinary  and  more  common 
avocations  of  men.  The  mechanick  must  have  a 
knowledge  of  his  trade,  and  the  husbandman  must 
acquire,  by  practi(  e  and  experience,  a  knowledge  of 
the  best  mode  of  cultivating  the  soil.  Without  a 
competent  degree  of  general  knowledge,  it  is  impos- 
sible to  maintain  a  respectable  standing  in  society, 
or  to  be  useful  in  the  generation  in  which  we  live. 

The  importance  and  necessity  of  knowledge,  how- 


na 


y  mind.     How 

lich  the  human 

its  Maker,  by 

wrath  may  bo 

ill  and  endless 

I,  that  there  is 
on!  is  the  great 

II.  To  obtain 
of  his  love— to 
the  cross — and 
ho  eoninianded 
ith  shined  into 
the  light  of  the 
0  face  of  .Jesus 
!.iio>vledge  with 
I,  we  are  ready 
nan — That  the 
;ood. 

ibservation  and 
rt'ledge  in  secu- 
(ts  necessity  in 

be  questioned, 
pursuits,  which 
professions,  but 

more  common 
.  must  have  a 
sbandmau  must 
i  knowledge  of 
til.  Without  a 
ge,  it  is  impos- 
ing in  society, 
hich  we  live, 
lovvledge,  how- 


ever it  may  be  undervalued  in  those  parts  of  the 
world,  where  it  is  the  interest  of  the  few  to  keep  the 
many  in  ignorance,  and  to  deprive  them  of  the  means 
of  acquiring  information,  will  not  be  denied  by  the 
inhabitants  of  a  republican  country,  where  it  is  an  es- 
tablished   principle  that  knowledge  is  essential    to 
national  happiness,  liberty,  and  order.     On  this  prin- 
ciple our  venerable  fathers  acted,  when  they  laid  the 
foundation  of  our  present  prosperity  and  respectabili- 
ty, in  the  institution  of  common  schools,  where  the 
son  of  the  poor  man  may  acquire  knowledge  with  the 
same  facility  as  the  son  of  his  more  opulent   neigh- 
bour.    It   is  owing  to  this  admirable  institution  that 
knowledge  is  so  generally  diffused  among  all  classes 
of  the  community,  and   that   the  rare  spectacle   of  a 
man,  who  can  neither  read  nor  write,  has  become  al- 
most a  phenomenon  in  this  part  of  our  counvy.   But, 
while  we  rejoice  in  the  wise  institutions  of  our  ances- 
tors for  the  general  diffusion  of  useful  human  knowl- 
edge, we  have  reason   to   lament  that  there  is  among 
us  such  a  deficiency  of  knowledge,  vastly  more   im- 
portant, and  without  which  all  other  knowledge  will 

be  of  no  avail. 

It  will  be  our  object,  in  the  following  discourse,  to 

consider, 

I.  What  that   knowledge   is,  the  want  of 

WHICH    IS   so  PREJUDICIAL  TO  THE   SOUL.       And, 

II.  To  ATTEMPT  TO  POINT  OUT  SOME  OF  THE  DE- 
STRUCTIVE CONSEQUENCES  OF  THIS  BANEFUL  IGNO- 
RANCE. 

The  knowledge,  of  which  we  speak,  respects  the 
moral  character  of  Jehovah— the  divine  law— the 
human  heart— and  the  plan  of  salvation. 


y  ■ 

I 


or  all  kinds  of  knovvledge,  that  of  otir  Creator  is, 
unquestionably,  the  most  important.  Compared  with 
this,  all  other  science  is  trillinj^  and  insignificant.  In- 
deed, all  the  sciences  derive  much  of  their  imporcancc 
from  their  connexion  with  this  fundamental  science. 
Hence  astronomy,  for  instance,  acquires  an  interest 
over  many  other  branches  of  knowledge,  because  it 
treats  of  the  wonderful  works  of  Clod,  and  opens  to 
the  astonished  eye  worlds  on  worlds  innumerable. 
But  it  is  possible  to  possess  a  great  degree  of  this 
knowledge  of  the  Creator's  works  and  yet  be  ignor- 
ant of  the  divine  character,  although  it  seems  aston- 
ishing that  any  person  can  admire  the  one  and  not 
love  the  other,  and  we  are  ready  to  say,  with  the 
poet,  "  An  undevout  astronomer  is  mad."  We  have 
reason,  however,  to  apprehend  that  there  are  not  a 
few  such  madmen  among  the  votaries  of  that  sublime 
and  interesting  science.  It  is  the  knowledge  of  the 
moral  character  of  .lehovah.  rather  than  a  scholastick 
acquaintance  with  the  laws  of  nature  that  we  are  to 
understand  by  that  knowledge,  the  want  of  which  is 
so  prejudicial  to  the  soul.  A  man  may  possess  all 
the  knowledge  that  has  ever  been  acquired  of  the 
heavenly  bodies,  and  yet  be  ignorant  of  the  knowl- 
edge of  God,  and  a  man  may  be  a  proficient  in  this 
best  of  sciences,  and  not  be  able  to  tell  the  difference 
between  a  fixed  star  and  a  planet. 

The  knowledge,  then,  of  which  we  speak,  relates 
to  the  moral  character  of  God,  as  revealed  in  the 
scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New  Testament.  In  those 
bright  pages,  God  declares  himself  to  be — The 
Lora — the  Lord  God,  long  suffering  and  gracious, 
forgiving  iniquity,  transgression,   and  sin,  and  who 


mr  Creator  is, 
oin pared  with 
;^iiificiint.  In- 
3ir  importance 
ental  science. 
IB  an  interest 
^e,  because  it 
and  opens  to 
innunierublc. 
legree  of  this 
yet  be  ijs^nor- 
;  seems  aston- 
one  and  not 
say,  with  the 
1."  We  have 
!re  are  not  a 
if  that  sublime 
wledge  of  the 
I  a  schohistick 
hat  we  are  to 
lit  of  which  is 
ay  possess  all 
quired  of  the 
f  the  knowl- 
Dficient  in  this 
the  difference 

speak,  relates 
vealed  in  the 
;nt.  In  those 
to  be— The 
and  gracious, 
sin,  and  who 


will  by  no  means  clear  the  guilty.     He  is  represented 
in  the  sacred  volume  as  a  Heing,  possessed  of  every 
possible  excellence,    glorious  in  holiness,    fearful   in 
praises,  doing  wonders.     Ilotinrss  is  an  attribute  by 
which  he  is  eminently  distinguished.    He  is  emphati- 
cally the  Holy  one.     His  name  is  Holy,  and  the  an- 
gelick  host,  who  surround  his  throne,  cease  not  day 
nor  night  to  cry— holy,  holy,  holy  is  the   Lord   God 
of   hosts.     It    is    for    the   want  of  the    knowledge 
of  this  one  attribute  alone,  that  so   many  thousands 
of  our  race  are  destroyed.     If  they  knew    that  God 
was  a  holy  Being,  w  ho  could  not  look  upon  sin  with- 
out abhorrence,  would  they  persist  in  a  course,  so  dis- 
lectly  contrary  to  the  divine  character,  and  which 
they  must  know  would  expose  them  to  his  just  di- 
pleasure?     If  they  knew  that  without   holiness  no 
man  shall  see  the  Lord,  would  they  not  endeavour 
to  resemble  the  divine   character  as  far  as  possi- 
ble ?     The  same  remarks  are  applicable  to  the  other 
moral  attributes  of  Jehovah,  particularly  his  justice 
and  veracity,  the  believing   knowledge  of  which   is 
•ilculated   to  have  a  most  powerful  influence  upon 
human  conduct.     It  is  the  want  of  this  knowledge 
and   belief  that  emboldens  men   to  continue  in  sin, 
reckless  of  the  awful  consequences— that  leadr  them 
to  deal  with  their  Maker  as  with  a  fellow  worm,  who 
may  change  his  purpose  and  commDte  his  threatening, 
—that  induces  them  to  cast  off  all  fear,  with  the  vain 
and  fallacious  excuse  that  the  Lord  doth  not  see — 
that  the  Almighty  doth  not  regard  them. 

Intimately  connected  with  the  want  of  knowledge 
of  the  moral  character  of  God,  is  ignorance  of  the 
divine  law.     We  have  reason  to  app>ehend  that  this 


is 

i<,'nnianro  h  more  oxtcnslvc  than  is  ^oncrally  imagin- 
ed. Ill  iuiditioii  to  the  multitudes  of  our  rare,  wlio 
are  not  iavmired  with  a  revelation,  there  are  many  in 
a  gospel  land,  who  are  (h'|»loial)ly  if^norant  of  the 
hiw  of  (iod.  It  is  true,  they  know  the  faet,  that 
(umI  has  promulgated  a  law  as  the  rule  of  obedience 
for  his  rational  creatures,  and  that  this  law  is  eontain- 
ed  in  the  scriptures.  Perhaps,  too,  they  have;  learnt, 
in  tlieir  childhood,  to  repeat  the  ten  eonimandmenta. 
But  how  i^Miorant  are  they  of  tin;  s[)iritual  meaning 
of  the  law  !  Many  have  no  idea  that  the  law  extends 
to  the  thoughts  and  intents  of  the  heart.  They  (lat- 
ter themselves  that  its  recpiisitions  are  satisfied,  if  the 
outward  conduct  is  not  in  llagrant  opposition  to  its 
precepts,  and  thus  they  indulge,  without  restraint, 
in  secret  desires  and  appetites,  which  are,  in  fact, 
condemned  by  the  divine  law. 

It  is  melancholy  to  reflect  on  the  numbers  of  precious 
souls  who  are  destroyed  for  want  of  this  important,  es- 
sential know  ledge ;  we  say  essential— for  it  is  the  foun- 
dation of  all  other  spiritual  knowledge.  It  is  by  the  law 
that  we  are  convinced  of  sin.  I  was  alive,  said  the 
Apostle,  without  the  law  once ;  but  when  the  com- 
mandment came,  sin  revived  and  I  died.  The  law, 
says  the  same  authority,  is  our  schoolmaster  to 
bring  us  to  Christ.  If  then  wc  have  incorrect,  par- 
tial, and  imperfect  views  of  the  law  of  God,  it  is  evi- 
dent that  we  cannot  have  adequate  conceptions  of  the 
plan  of  salvation  by  a  Redeemer.  The  man,  who  is 
ianorant  of  the  spiritual  nature  and  extent  of  the  law 
ol"  God,  can  never  be  truly  convinced  of  sin— can 
never  feel  that  anxiety  respecting  his  spiritual  state, 
which  is  absolutely  necessary  to  salvation.     He  must 


>aih-iM''«fewiiriii^jiiiii#»i"i:iiriiia<ii%itf:'iTri 


iM'ally  iniagin- 
)ur  ia<»',  who 
L'  arr  in:uiy  in 
lunaiit  of  the 
the  fact,  that 
of  obedience 
aw  is  contaiii- 
y  hav(!  U^irnt, 
nimandnionts. 
itual  meaning 
e  law  extends 
r.  They  llat- 
iatisfied,  if  the 
)osition  to  its 
lout  restraint, 
I  arc,  in  fact, 

)crs  of  precious 
important,  es- 
r  it  is  the  foun- 
It  is  by  the  law 
alive,  said  the 
/hen  the  com- 
h1.  The  law, 
hool  master  to 
incorrect,  par- 
God,  it  is  evi- 
?eptions  of  the 
e  man,  who  is 
:ent  of  the  law 
d  of  sin — can 
spiritual  state, 
ion.     He  must 


first  rcali/e  his  poverty,  blindness,  and  nakc-duess  be- 
fore he  will  listen  to  the  counsel  of  the  Son  ot  UocI, 
to  buy  of  h-.m  gold  tried  in  the  lire,  that. he  may  be 
rich,  and  white  raiment  that  he  maybe  clothed.  It 
is  therefore  obvious  that  ignorance  of  the  spirituality 
and  extent  of  the  law  of  God  must  be,  of  all  igno- 
ranee,  the  most  prejudicial  to  the  souls  ot   men. 

The   knowledge  of  the  human  hrart,  also,  is  im- 
portant, as  the  want  of  it  exposes  the  soul   to  innu- 
merable evils.     Self-knowledge,  i.  will   be    readily 
admitted  by  all,   is  of  incalculable   benefit   both   in 
temporal  and  spiritual  things.     Without  a  good  de- 
^rree  of  it,  it  is  impossible  to  discharge   the  ordmary 
duties  of  life  with  comfort  and  respectability.     But, 
if  this  is   a  necessary  part  of  worldly  wisdom,  how 
important    is    it,  when  viewed    in   connexion   with 
eternal  regalities  !     How  can  that  man  be  in  a  safe 
condition,  as  respects  his  future  hopes,  who  is  igno- 
rant of  himself,  who  knows  not  the  plague  of  his  own 
heart,  the  depravity  and  corruption  of  his  nature,  and 
his  entire  dependance  upon  a  superior  power,  not  only 
for  life   and  its  daily  comforts,  but  for  every  pious 
thought,  and  every  holy  affection. 

It  is  truly  astonishing  to  see  men,  who  excel  in 
almost  every  other  department  of  knowledge,  grossly 
ignorant  of  themselves,  thinking  that  they  are  some- 
thing when  they  are  nothing,  and  flattering  themselves 
with  imaginary  ideas  of  their  own  goodness  and  pu- 
rity. Such  characters  are  accurately  described  by 
the  Saviour  in  his  address  to  the  Laodicean  christians. 
They  think  that  they  are  rich  and  increased  in  goods 
and  have  need  of  nothing,  and  know  not  that  they 
are  wretched,  and  miserable,  and  poor,  and  blind,  and 

9. 


llriiitiijHiiiia'ii^iBW*- 


»Ka  nfg-«WBrff^^ 


JO 

uaketl.     That   snoh   ignorance   is   prejudicial  to  the 
soul  we  need  not  spend  time  to  illustrate.     It  has  al- 
ways prov<?d  the  hane  of  true   piety.     It   cUscovers 
itself  in  vain  boasting  and  carnal  security,  than  which 
nothing  can  be   more  opposite-   to  the   humility  and 
self-abasement  which  the  gospel  enjoins.     It   mani- 
fested itself  in  the  proud  Pharisee,  who  thanked  God 
that  he  was  not  as  other  men.    With  all  his  learning, 
—and  the  Pharisees  were  a  sect   who  pretended  to 
no  inconsiderable  share  of  it— the  poor  publican,  who 
was,  probably,  an  unlettered  man,  discovered  far  more 
knowledge  of  the  human  heart,  when  he   smote  his 
hand  upon  his  breast,  and  exclaimed — God,  be  merci- 
ful to  me,  a  sinner  ! 

But  of  all  the  knowledge  so  necessary  for   man  to 
possess,  and  the  ignorance  of  which  is  so  fatal  to  his 
eternal  peace,  the  knowledge  of  a  Saviour,  and  the 
plan  of  salvation  by  his  atoning  blood,  stands  boldly 
prominent,  and  urges  its  paramount  claims  to  our  at- 
tention.    Wc  will  not  dwell  on  the  situation  of  those 
who  never  heard  of  a  Saviour,  who  sit  in   darkuess 
without  light,  who  inhabit  the   valley  of  the   shadow 
of  death.     That  their  situation  is  dangerous,  and 
ought  to  awaken  our  sympathy  and  excite  our  com- 
passion and  vigorous  efforts  for  their  relief,  cannot  be 
denied  by  the  benevolent  christian.     That  it  is  hope- 
less we  dare  not  say — for  who  sha'l  limit  the  mercy 
of  the  GrJ  of  Israel  ?     Who  shall  prescribe  to  him 
the  way  o '  access  to  the  human  heart  ?  and  who  shall 
presume  to  say,  that  tht  heathen,  who  have  not  the 
law,  and  are  a  law  unto  themselves,  are  beyond  the 
reach  of  his  mercy  ?     They  are  in  t'.ie   hands  of  a 
merciful  God,  who  will  not  be  a  hard  master,  gath- 


-  -»  MumSm^'mmimitmtm 


judicial  to  the 
ite.  It  has  al- 
It  fUscovers 
ity,  than  which 
3  humility  and 
ins.  It  mani- 
10  thanked  God 
all  his  learning, 

0  pretended  to 
r  publican,  who 
;overed  far  more 

1  he  smote  his 
-God,  be  merci- 

sary  for  man  to 
is  so  fatal  to  his 
%viow\  and  the 
d,  stands  boldly 
claims  to  our  at- 
tuation  of  those 
sit  in  darkness 
'  of  the   shadow 

dangerous,  and 
excite  our  corn- 
relief,  cannot  be 

That  it  is  hope- 
limit  the  mercy 
prescribe  to  him 
t  ?  and  who  shall 
ho  have  not  the 
,  are  beyond  the 

t'.ie  hands  of  a 
rd  master,  gath- 


ering  where  he  has  not  strawcd,  and   requiring  what 
he  has  not  g'./en. 

At  the  same  time  we  would  not  imply  such  an  idea 
of  their  safety  as  would  induce  us  to  relax,  for  a  mo- 
ment, our  most  zealous  and  indefatigable  eflTorts  to 
send  to  them  the  gospel  of  peace.  Most  sincerely 
have  we  rejoiced— yea,  and  we  will  rejoice— in  tiie 
spirit,  which  prevails  both  in  Great  Britain  and  in 
our  own  country,  in  behalf  of  missions  to  the  heath- 
en. May  it  be  increased  a  thousand  fold,  until  the 
wilderness  become  a  fruitful  field  and  the  desert  re- 
joice and  blossom  as  the  rose ! 

But  whatever  may  be  the  situation  of  the   pagan 
world,  there  can  be  no  doubt,  that  many  precious  souls 
in  a  christian  land  are  irrecoverably  lost  by  their  ig- 
norance of  a  Saviour  and  the  plan  of  salvation.    This 
is  life  eternal,  to  know  thee,  the  only  true  God,  and 
Jesus    Christ  whom   thou  hast  sent.     The  converse 
of  this  proposition  is  also  true,  and  we  may  safely 
say,  that  in  a  christian  land.  This  is  death  eternal, 
to  be  ignorant  of  God   and  his   son  Jesus    Christ. 
If    the    scriptures  are  true,    there  is  nothing   more 
evident  than  the  fuct,  that  there  is  no  other  way  of 
salvation  than  the  one  pointed  out  in  the  gospel.     This 
is  expressly  stated   in  the   sacred   volume.      Other 
foundation  can  no  man  lay  than  that  is  laid,  which  is 
Jesus    Christ.      Tbe.i  is   none    other   name,  under 
heaven,  given  among  men,  whereby  we  must  be  saved, 
neither  is  there  salvation  in   any  oiher-    It  therefore 
needs  no  elaborate  argument  to  convince  you,  if  you 
admit  the  inspiration  of  the  scriptures,  that  a  want  of 
tliis  knowledge  must  necesjnrily  be  in  the  highest  de- 
gree, prejudicial  to  the  souls  of  men. 


nil  Mil   IM<1  !>i«,il^ 


But,  it  may  be  asked,  what  is  this  knowledge  of  Jesus 
Chri«^  which  is  so  essential  to  salvation  ?    This  ques- 
tion is  highly  important,  and   deseirves   an  attentive 
reply.     Much  is  doubtless  implied  in  that  knowledge 
of  a  Saviour,  which  is  connected  with  eternal  life.  It 
is  something  more  than    speculative  and   theoretical. 
One  may  credit  the  fact,  that  such  a  person  as  Jesus 
Christ  once  appeared  in  our  world,  and  was  the   au- 
thor of  the  benevolent  religion  which  bears  his  name. 
Nay  more,  he  may  acknowledge  his  divinity,  he  may 
believe   in  his  miracles  and  admit  the  truth  of  his 
doctrines,  he  may  even  conform  his  morals  to  his  pre- 
cepts, and  after  all,  be  ignorant  of  that  knowledge  m 
which  consists  eternal  life.    What  then  is  this  knowl- 
eL\7e  ?    We  answer,  it  is  erpsrimcr.tal  and  practical 
It  has  its  seat  in  the  heurt,  and  its  influence  extends 
through  the  life.     It  Implies,  not  only  a  belief  in  the 
divinity  and  atonement  of  the  Saviour,  but  a  cordial 
attachment  to  him— a  vital  union  with  him,  and  an 
entire  dependance  on  him  for  justification  and  sancti- 
fication— a  participation  of  his  spirit,  and  an  imitation 

of  his  example. 

An  acquaintance  ivith  the  plan  of  salvation  is  also 
implied  in  this  knowledge.  It  is  desirable  that  we 
should  have  some  connected,  systematical  views  of 
the  plan  of  redemption.  How  far  an  ignorance  of 
some  of  the  doctrines,  connected  with  this  scheme, 
is  consistent  with  true  piety,  we  do  not  pretend  to 
say.  We  certainly  do  not  contend  that  they  are  all 
of  equal  importance  with  the  knowledge  of  Jesus 
Christ  ant.  him  crucified.  This  is  indeed  all  impor- 
tant, and  we  hesitate  not  to  affirm,  in  a  christian 
land,  essential  to  salvation.     But  how  far  other  doc- 


w^^jwrtMi.'xuwi  f^T^*"'  ^ujiMiJiiiijgiiiP*i^if  w 


WWW«BBRa3saEW%s;«TiT**^»**^««** 


)\vledge  of  Jesus 
on  ?  This  ques- 
es   an   attentive 

that  knowledge 
1  eternal  life.  It 
and   theoretical. 

person  as  Jesus 
nd  was  the   au- 
i  bears  his  name, 
divinity,  he  may 
the  truth  of  his 
norals  to  his  pre- 
lat  knowledge  in 
en  is  this  knowl- 
al  and  practical. 
influence  extends 
ly  a  belief  in  the 
ur,  but  a  cordial 
with  him,  and  an 
lation  and  sancti- 
,  and  an  imitation 

'^salvation  is  also 
lesirable  that  we 
matical  views  of 

an  ignorance  of 
vith  this  scheme, 
o  not  pretend  to 

that  they  are  all 
)wledge  of  Jesus 

indeed  all  impor- 
tn,  in  a  christian 
ow  far  other  doc- 


13 

trines,  connected  with  this,  may  claim  the  same  high 
distinction  we  presume  not  to  say.     We  do  not  wish 
to  attach  too  great  imporiunce  to  any  doctrme  that 
is  not  absolutely  essential  to  salvation  ;  for  we  know 
that  good  men  have  differed  in  their  views  of  articles 
of  faith,  and  much  as  we  are  attached  to  our  own 
opinions^and   we  make  no  pretensions  to  mdiffer- 
ence-we  are  unwilling  to  exclude  from  our  christian 
charity   those   who  differ    from  us,    provided    they 
are    built   upon  the   sure   foundation  laid  in  Zion, 
Jesus  Christ  himself  being  the  chief  corner  stone. 
But,  although  we    will   not  contend  that  a  belief 
of  all  that  we    deem  the   doctrines  of  the   gospel 
is  essential  to  salvation,  we  must  be  allowed  to  say, 
that  a  systematical  knowledge  of  the  plan  of  mercy  is 
highly  important,  and,  if  for  the  want  of  it  the  souls 
of  men  are  no*  completely  .uined,  as  they  will  be  for 
lat!^   of  the  saving  knowledge  rf   Christ,  they  lose 
much  comfort,  strength,  edification,  and  spiritual  pros- 
perity which  they  might  otherwise  enjoy.     It  will 
therefore  comport  with  our  plan, 

II.  To  ATTEMPT  TO  POINT  OUT  SOME  OF  THE  DE- 
STRUCTIVE CONSEQUENCES  OF  IGNORANCE,  NOT  ONLY 
OF  WHAT  IS  ESSENTIAL  TO  SALVATION,  BUT  ALSO  OF 
WHAT  IS  HIGHLY  IMPORTANT  TO  OUR  SPIRITUAL  CON- 
FIRMATION. .    ,1         f 

Ignorance  of  any  important  subject,  especially  of 
those  subjects  connected  with  our  eternal  destination, 
is,  to  say  the  least,  much  to  be  lamented.  None  but 
the  artful  and  designing,  or  the  indolent  and  vicious, 
will  openly  step  forward  and  advocate  the  cause  of 
ignorance.  It  has  been  beautifully  said,  "  where  ig- 
norance is  bliss,  'tis  folly  to  be  wise,"  and  ih.s  is  true 


14 


in  a  certain  sense.  Of  many  things  it  is,  indeed,  far 
better  to  be  ignorant  than  to  be  informed.  It  is  in- 
finitely better  to  be  forever  ignorant  of  the  maxims, 
opinions  and  habits  of  the  vvoHd,  than  to  ac(]uire  a 
knowledge  of  them  by  the  sacrifice  of  virtroiis  prin- 
ciple. Bnt,  although  this  plea  in  favour  of  ignorance 
may  be  admitted,  it  cannot  be  justified  in  relation  to 
the  all-important  subject  of  religion.  Here  ignorance 
is  destruction,  and  knoivlcdge  is  life  eternal. 

It  is  difficult  to  describe,  in  all  their  alarming  ex- 
tent, the  destructive  consequences  of  ignorance  of 
those  highly  imjiortant  subjects  which  have  passed 
under  review.  In  attempting  to  direct  your  attention 
to  some  of  the  most  prominent  evils  of  spiritual  ig- 
norance, we  remark, 

1st.  That  it  leaves  the  mind  and  heart  open  to 
erroneous  doctrines  and  unsanctified  affections. 

The  human  mind,  although  uninformed,  or  incor- 
rectly informed,  cannot  be  a  complete  vacuum,  unless 
in  cases  of  perfect  idiocy.  The  mind  of  every  ra- 
tional creature  will  be  employed  on  some  subject. 
If,  then,  it  is  not  rightly  employed,  it  will  be  occu- 
pied by  subjects  which  have  an  injurious  influence 
upon  the  understanding  and  the  heart.  If  the  mind 
is  not  instructed,  and  the  heart  affected  by  divine 
knowledge,  it  requires  no  great  discernment  to  per- 
ceive that  it  will  become  an  easy  prey  to  erroneous 
sentiments  and  unsanctified  affections.  The  truth  of 
this  observation  is  abundantly  verified  by  constant  ex- 
perience. What  is  the  character  of  those  w  ho  know  not 
God,  and  who  obey  not  the  gospel  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ?  Is  it  distinguished  for  purity  and  sanctity,  or 
even  for  integrity  and  benevolence  ?  On  the  contrary,  is 


15 


is,  indeed,  far 
led.  It  is  in- 
f  the  maxims, 
I   to   acquire  a 

virtnoiis  prin- 
ir  of  ignorance 
I  in  relation  to 
lere  ignorance 
ternal. 

alarming  ex- 

f  ignorance  of 

h   have  passed 

your  attention 

of  spiritual  ig- 

heart  open  to 
affections. 
med,  or  incor- 
/acuum,  unless 
i  of  every  ra- 
some  subject, 
will  be  occu- 
ious  influence 

If  the  mind 
^ted  by  divine 
mient  to  per- 
'  to   erroneous 

The  truth  of 
y  constant  ex- 
who  know  not 
Lir  Lord  Jesus 
nd  sanctity,  or 
;he  contrary,  is 


it  not,  almost  without  an  exception,  sensual  and  self- 
ish .''  If  the  throne  in  the  heart  of  man  is  not  occu- 
pied by  his  Maker,  it  will  be  occupied  by  his  rival, 
the  great  enemy  of  God  and  man.  If  the  heart  is 
not  the  seat  of  holiness,  it  will  be  the  abode  of  sin. 
It  can  never  be  niiutral.  It  is  either  for  God  or 
against  him  ;  and,  if  it  is  not  sanctified  by  his  grace, 
through  the  knowledge  of  Jesus  Christ,  it  must  re- 
main ill  a  state  of  alienation  from  God,  and  opposi- 
tion to  his  will.  In  this  state  it  becomes  an  easy 
prey  t')  temptation.  The  most  dangerous  errors  meet 
with  but  a  faint  resistance  from  the  mind,  that  is  not 
preoccupied  with  spiritual  knowledge.  The  door  is 
readily  opened  for  their  admission  by  their  natural 
ally,  the  depravity  of  the  heart,  which,  in  the  absence 
of  the  knowledge  of  God,  holds  uninterrupted  sway 
in  the  bosoms  of  men.     We  remark, 

2dly.  That  the  destructive  consecpiences  of  spiritual 
ignorance  may  be  perceived  in  the  temper  and  con- 
duct of  those  who  are  under  its  influence. 

Every  christian,  who  has  had  much  opportunity  of 
being  acquainted  with  mankind,  especially  with  those, 
who  make  pretensions  to  religion,  must  have  been  im- 
pressed with  the  truth  of  (his  remark.  If  I  am  not 
much  mistaken,  he  must  have  perceived  in  those, 
who  are  most  ignorant  of  spiritual  things,  a  temper 
and  conduct  peculiarly  hostile  to  the  mild  and  gentle 
spirit  of  Christianity.  Who  are  the  proud,  self- 
righteous,  self-willed,  self-opinionated  ?  Are  they 
not  those,  who  are  deplorably  ignorant  of  the  moral 
character  of  God — of  the  spirituality  of  his  law — of 
their  own  hearts — and  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  and 


m 

the  plan  of  salvation  through  his  blood  ?  It  is  often 
the  case,  that  the  most  ignorant  think  they  know  the 
most  ;  while  the  best  informed  are  ever  ready  to  ac- 
knowledge that  they  know  but  in  part — indeed,  that 
they  know  nothing  as  they  ought  to  know.  Pride  is 
the  legitimate  offspring  of  ignorance,  and  humility 
the  lovely  child  of  sanctified  knowledge.  I  know 
nothing  that  calls  more  frequently  for  the  exercise  of 
the  christian  graces  of  forbearance,  meekness,  and 
self-control,  than  the  wayward,  unsteady  tempers,  the 
stubborn  and  perverse  wills  of  those,  who  are  ignor- 
ant of  spiritual  things,  and  yet  think  themselves 
wiser  than  their  teachers — indeed,  than  all  the  world 
besides.     We  observe, 

3dly.  That  the  injurious  consequences  of  spiritual 
ignorance  may  be  perceived  in  the  unhappy  state  of 
mind  which  it  often  induces. 

I  now  refer  to  those  cases,  where  there  may  be 
saving  knowledge,  and  yet  such  a  deplorable  ignor- 
ance of  the  doctrines  of  religion — of  their  connexion 
and  influence,  and  indeed  of  the  whole  system  of  re- 
ligious truth,  as  to  involve  the  mind  in  doubt,  difficul- 
ty, distress,  and  even  despair.  That  this  is  sometimes 
the  case,  and  that  it  is  owing  to  ignorance,  or  rather  to 
a  want  of  a  systematical  knowledge  of  divine  truth, 
cannot  be  doubted.  It  requires  a  good  degree  of  knowl- 
edge, which  is  not  obtained  intuitively,  but  by  a  dili- 
gent attendance  on  appointed  means,  to  understand 
the  system  of  Christianity,  to  perceive  its  various  rela- 
tions and  tendencies,  and  to  trace  the  connexion  and 
agreement  between  its  different  and  sometimes  appar- 
ently opposite  doctrines.  This  knowledge  is  of  no 
trifling  importance.     The  mind,  imbued  with  it,  will 


»d  ?  It  is  often 
they  know  the 
er  ready  to  ac- 
rt — indeed;  that 
uiow.  Pride  is 
B,  and  humility 
edge.  I  know 
•  the  exercise  of 
meekness,  and 
idy  tempers,  the 
,  who  are  ignor- 
link  themselves 
an  all  the  world 

ices  of  spiritual 
nhappy  state  of 

e  there  may  be 
eplorable  ignor- 
their  connexion 
tie  system  of  re- 
1  doubt,  difficul- 
his  is  sometimes 
mce,  or  rather  to 
of  divine  truth, 
degree  of  knowl- 
y,  but  by  a  dili- 
;,  to  understand 
5  its  various  rela- 
e  connexion  and 
ometimes  appar- 
wledge  is  of  no 
lued  with  it,  will 


IT 

readily  discern  a  beautiful  order  and  harmony  in  the 
christian  system  ;  and  will  be  relieved  from  many  d.f- 
ficttlties,  which  are  continually  agitating  the  minds  of 
those,  who  have  but  partial  and  disconnected  views  ol 
divine  truth.     Such  a  mind  will  at  once  reconcile  the 
apparent  discrepancies  in  tiie  statements  of  the  apos- 
tles, Paul  and  .lames,  with  regard  to  justifying  taith  ; 
and  perceive  a  lovely  and  inseparable  connexion    be- 
tween faith  and  works.    Such  a  mind,  while  it  trusts, 
with  child-like  confidence,  in  a  Redeemer's  righteous- 
ness, will  not  fail  to  realize  the  necessity  of  personal 
holiness,  without  which  no  man  shall  see  the  Lord  ; 
while  those,  who  are  ignorant  of  this  connected  view 
of  divine   truth,  are  subject   to  be  tossed  to  and   fro, 
and  carried  about  with  every  wind  of  doctnne. 

But  the  destructive  consequences  of  spiritual  igno- 
rance will  not  be  made  fully  manifest  until  the  veil  is 
drawn  that  separates  us  from  the  unseen  wor'd.    Then 
there  will  be  a  striking  and  awful  comment  upon  the 
words  of    the    text.     Then,  those,   who  have   been 
wilfully  ignorant  of  th.^  character  of  Jehovah— of  the 
spirituality  of  his  law— of  their  own  hearts— of  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ  and  the  plan  of  salvation,  will  go 
away  into  everlasting  punishment ;  but  the  righteous 
into  life  eternal.  To  the  spiritually  ignorant  how  awful 
must  be  the  contemplation  of  the  future  world!  Impen- 
etrable darkness  hangs  over  the  opening  tomb.  In  vain 
the  lingering  spirit  clings  to  life.    The  rough  hand  of 
death  tears  him  from  the  world— the   thousand  ties, 
that  bound  him  to  earth,  are  severed  in  a  moment— 
and  he  is  hurried,  unwilling  and  unprepared,  into  a 
world,  where  he  has  nothing  to  hope  and  every  thing 
to  fear.     Into  that  awful  state  we  cannot  penetrate  ; 


Ml  : 

but  we   are  assured,  by  the  unerring  word  of  Cod, 
that  the  liOrd  Jcsns  Christ  shall   be   reveaUui   from 
Heaven  with  his  mighty  angels,  in  flaming  fire,  tak- 
in''  vengeance  on  them  that  know  not  God,  and  obey 
not  the  gospel  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ :    who   shall 
be    punished  with   everlasting   destruetion   from  the 
presence  of  the  Lord  and  from  the  glory  of  his  pow- 
er ;    when  he  shall  come  to  be  gloritied   in  his  saints 
and  to  be  admired  in  all  them  that  believe. 
From  our  subject  we  perceive, 
1st.  The  vast  importance  of  spiritual  knowledge. 
This  cannot  but  be  obvious  to  every  attentive  hearer. 
If  such  deplorable  consequences  result  from  spiri- 
tual ignorance,  as  have  been  mentioned,  then  spiritual 
knowledge  must  be  of  infinite  importance.     Its  con- 
nexion with  the  salvation  of  the  soul  is  alone  suffi- 
cient to  decide  its  vast  importance.     One  immortal 
soul  is  of  more  value  than  thousands  of  worlds.    The 
earth,  which  we  inhabit,  shall  one  day  be  consumed 
with  fire  ;  the  heavens  shall   wax  old  as  a  garment, 
and  be  changed  as  a  vesture  ;  but   the   spark  of  im- 
mortality shall  not  be  extinguished,  the  emanation  of 
Deity,  like  the  source  from  whence  it  sprung,  shall 
endure  ;  and   of  its  years    there    shall   be   no   end. 
Reflect  on  the  capacity  of  the  soul— on  the  pain  it 
is  capable  of  feeling— on  the  joy  it  is  capable  of  ex- 
periencing.    If  such  is  its  capacity  when  encumbered 
with  flesh,  what  will  be  that  of  the  disembodied  spi- 
rit !     If  flesh  and  blood  cannot  bear  a  wounded  spi- 
rit, how  great  will  be   its  misery  in  the  world  to 
come  !     If  human  nature  faints  under  the  manifesta- 
tions of  God's  love,  how  great  will  be  the  happiness 
of  the  soul  when  faith  gives  place  to  vision  ! 


« 


liifuj  >-i  iM«"  '    - 


word  of  Ciod, 
revtMletl  from 
miiif;  fire,  tak- 
God,  ann  ohoy 
St :  who  shall 
:tion  from  the 
ry  of  his  pow- 
d  ill  his  saints 
ieve. 

,al  knowledge. 
ttentive  hearer, 
iult  from  spiri- 
d,  then  spiritual 
ance.     Its  con- 
is  alone  suffi- 
One  immortal 
jf  worlds.    The 
ly  be  consumed 
1  as  a  garment, 
e   spark  of  im- 
he  emanation  of 
it  sprung,  shall 
all   be   no   end. 
-on  the  pain  it 
s  capable  of  ex- 
hen  encumbered 
lisembodied  spi- 
a  wounded  spi- 
n  the  world  to 
r  the  manifesta- 
be  the  happiues» 
vision  ! 


19 

2dl.v.  Wo  infer  from   our  subject,  the  duty  of  all 
to  inilcnvour  to  obtain  spiritual  Icnowledife. 

An  important  imiuiry  here    presents  itself  for   our 
consi(U'ration.     How  is  this  knowledge  to  be  obtain- 
ed ?     It  is,  undoubtedly,  the  gift  of  God,  and   is  to 
be  sought  of  him  in  the   taithful   and   diligent  use  of 
the  means  which  he  has  appointed.    Open  thou  mine 
eyes,  saith  the  Psalmist,  and  I  shall  behold  wondrous 
things  out  of  thy  law.     If  any  man  lack  wisdom, 
says  the  Apostle,  at  him  ask  of  God,  who  giveth  to 
ali  men  liberally,  and  upbraideth  not,  and  it  shall  be 
given  him.     But,  although  spiritual  illumination  can- 
not be  obtained  without  the  immediate  agency  of  the 
Holy  Spirit,  it  is  to  be  sought  for  in  the  use  of  means, 
and  when  obtained,  by  the  use  of  means   it  is  to  be 
cherished,  maintained,  and  increased.  Spiritual  knowl- 
edge, like  all  other  kinds  of  knowledge,  cannot  be 
obtained  without  application  and  faithful  and  diligent 
study.     There  are  some,  who  imagine  that  little  or 
nothing  is  to  be  done  on  our  part  towards  obtaining 
this  knowledge.     There  never  was  a  greater  or  more 
dangerous  mistake ;  and  it  is  to  be  feared  that  this 
error  has  been  the  ruin  of  many  souls.     The  fact  is, 
there  is  no  kind  of  knowledge  that  requires  more  con- 
stant and  diligent  application.     It  is  true  the  same 
mental  powers  are  not  requisite  to  obtain  it,  as  are 
necessary  to  excel  in  any  branch  of  human  science ; 
for  the  wayfaring  man,  though  a  fool,  may  be  a  pro- 
ficient in  spiritual  knowledge.     The  christian,  how- 
ever, cannot  expect  to  grow  in  grace  and  in   the 
knowledge  of  our  Lord  and   Saviour,  Jesus  Christ, 
without  a  faithful  and  diligent  use  of  those  means 
which  God  has  appointed. 


I 


Arnoii;,'  these  the  vnmarkd  studi/  of  the  ftrriji- 
iuies,  (U'si'rvrdly,    holds  a  cons|)i(•lH)U^  place.     Tlw 
Bible  is  the  jjieat  source  onnlonnationon  spiritual  sub- 
jects.    We  believe  that  a  great  share  of  that  (h.-piora- 
ble  ignorance,  which  is  to  be  found  even  among  pro- 
fessing christians,  is  owing  to  the  neglect  of  the  Bible. 
By  a  diligent  and  careful  perusal  of  the   scriptures, 
and  by  comparing  one    passage  with   another,  inan\ 
mistakes  might  be  corrected,  and    much  valuable  and 
important  knowledge  actjuired.     It   is   strange  how 
much  information   vt)  subjects   the   most   important, 
and  which  might  be  obtained  with   so   much  ease,  is 
lost  by  neglecting  to  j)eruse  the  scriptures !    Is  it  be- 
cause the  Bible   is   so  common,  because  it   finds  its 
way,  by  gratuitous  distribution,  to   the   poorest  cot- 
tage, that  it  is  so  little  esteemed  ?     Shall  the  admira- 
ble facilities,  that  have,  of  late  years,    attended  the 
circulation  of  the  scriptures  prove  the  ruin,  instead  of 
the  salvation  of  souls  ?     Lt;t  those,  who  would  grow 
in  grace  and  in  spiritual  knowledge,  meditate  day  and 
night  upon  the  sacred  volume.     Let  them    make  it 
the  man  of  their  counsel,  and  the  guide  of  their  lives. 
Let  them  estepm  it  more  precious  than  gold,  yea,  than 
the  most  fine  gold,   sweeter  also  than  honey  or  the 

honey  comb. 

Attendance  on  the  christian  ministry  is  another, 
and  one  of  the  most  important  means  cf  attaining 
spiritual  knowledge.  It  is  instituted  by  God  himself, 
who  is  pleased  by  the  'foolishness  of  preaching  to 
save  them  that  believe.  We  cannot  sufficiently  ad- 
mire the  adaptation  of  this  means  to  the  desired  ef- 
fect. How  admirably  calculated  is  the  preaching  of 
God's   word    from   sabbath   to   sabbath,   and    from 


21 


J  If  of  the  mip- 
(U^   place.      The 

on  spirituiil  suh- 

ol"  tliiit  ti(;pl()ia- 
!veu  ;imon<5  |»ro- 
li'ct  of  the  iiibli!. 

the  scriptures, 
I  another,  man\ 
uh  vahial)lc  and 

is  strange  how 
most  important, 
o  much  ease,  is 
uures  !  Is  it  be- 
;ause  it  finds  its 
the  poorest  eot- 
iShall  the  admira- 
rs,    attended  the 

0  ruin,  instead  ot 
who  wouhl  grow 
meditate  (hiy  and 
!t  them  make  it 
lido  of  their  lives, 
in  gold,  yea,  than 
lian  honey  or  the 

listry  is  another, 
eans  of  attaining 

1  by  God  himself, 
1  of  preaching  to 
:)t  sufliciently  ad- 
to  the  desired  ef- 
i  the  preaching  of 
bbath,    and    from 


week  to  week,  to  enlighten  the  understanding, 
and  to  give  correct  views  of  the  subject  of  religion ! 
How  many  thousands,  nay  millions,  are  thus  en- 
lightened, and  trained  up  for  glory,  honor,  and  im- 
mortality!  It  is  true,  these  means,  when  not  im- 
proved,  will  only  heighten  our  conihinnation,  and  nt 
us  for  destruction  ;  but  to  those,  who  rightly  improve 
them,  they  become  a  savour  of  life  unto  lile. 

The  last,  and  the  most  important  and  essential 
means  of  accjuiring  and  maintaining  spiritual  knowl- 
cdije  remains  to  be  mentioned — and  that  is,  prayer. 
Without  this,  all  the  other  means  that  have  been 
named  will  be  ineffectual.  Without  jirayer,  the  scrip- 
tures will  be  as  a  sealed  book ;  and  the  preaching  of 
the  word  a  savour  of  death  unto  death,  tiod  will  be 
inquired  of  by  the  house  of  Israel.  He  has  command- 
ed us  to  seek  his  face;  and,  for  our  encouragement, 
he  has  assured  us  that  ihey  that  seek  shall  find,  they 
that  ask  shall  receive,  and  to  them  that  knock  it 
shall  be  opened.  Let  those,  then,  who  would  ob- 
tain and  increase  spiritual   kiiowledge,  be  instant  in 

prayer looking  to  God  ro  open  their  understandings, 

and  to  shine   into  their  hearts  by  the  light  of  the 
knowledge  of  Jesus  Christ. 

3dly,  and  lastly,  we  learn  from  our  subject,  Thai 
the  condition  of  those,  ivho  are  perishing  for  want  of 
spiritual  knowledge,  claims  our  compassionate  re- 
gards and  benevolent  efforts. 

This  inference,  did  our  time  and  the  occasion  per- 
mit, might  lead  us  to  make  an  affecting  appeal  to 
your  sympathy  and  benevolence  in  behalf  of  the 
many  millions  of  unenlightened  heathen,  who  never 
heard  the  name  of  Jesus  nor  the  glad  tidings  of  sal- 


mMmnrnismmmmm: 


n 


vatioii  tlironKli  hi«i  l)loo(l.  Wc  might  desoriht;  tlirii 
pitiable  toiiditimi  in  such  a  maniior,  as  would  con- 
strain you,  at  least,  to  weep  over  their  miseries,  and, 
I  trust,  to  extend  a  helping  hand  to  their  relief. 

J3nt  the  occasion,  upcm  which  we  are  convened,  re- 
minds us  that  there  aie  other  claims,  nearer  home, 
which,  in  our  zeal  for  foreign  missions,  ought  not  to  be 
disregarded.  The  state  of  rtiligion  in  our  own  coun- 
try, although  it  gives  us  occasion  to  bless  God  for  what 
he  has  done  for  our  infant  nation,  at  the  same  time  loud- 
ly calls  upon  all,  who  are  interested  in  the  prosperity 
of  Zion,  for  renewed,  and  vigorous,  and  persevering 
eflbrts.  Although  much  has  been  done  by  the  labours 
of  our  pious  fathers,  there  yet  remains  a  vast  field  for 
their  posterity  to  occupy  and  improve.  Even  in  New 
England — the  most  highly  favoured  section  of  our 
country  for  the  enjoyment  of  religious  institutions 
and  privileges^ — there  are  many  dark  places,  where 
the  sabbath  is  not  associated  with  the  worship  of 
God — where  no  sanctuary  throws  open  its  inviting 
doors — where  no  pastor«breaks  the  bread  of  life — and 
no  baptismal  engagements  designate  the  disciples  of 
the  Redeemer.  And,  if  we  direct  our  attention  from 
this  favoured  spot  to  the  vast  extent  of  territory,  com- 
prised in  the  federal  compact,  what  enlarged  and  en- 
larging spheres  of  usefulness  present  themselves  to 
our  view  !  Here,  surely,  is  a  field  in  which  the  eiost 
expansive  benevolence  may  have  ample  scope ! 

We  do  not  say  that  all  the^  good  than  can  be  done 
to  the  inhabitants  of  our  own  country  must  first  be 
effected,  t)efore  missions  to  the  heathen  are  attempt- 
ed. We  have  no  such  contracted  views  of  the  bene- 
volent operations  of  the  present  day.     We  believe 


equ; 
talit 


n 


(lescrihe  thcii- 
us  would  con- 
r  inisnics,  and, 
;ir  relief. 
B  conveiKHl,  re- 
I,  nearer  hoiix;, 
ou}»;ht  not  to  be 
our  own  eoun- 
js  God  lor  what 
lauie  time  loud- 
i  the  prosperity 
lid    persevering 

by  the  labours 
a  vast  field  for 

Even  in  New 

section  of  our 
us    institutions 

places,  where 
he  worship  of 
en  its  inviting 
ad  of  life — and 
he  disciples  of 

attention  from 

territory,  com- 
larged  and  en- 

themselves  to 
vhich  the  inost 
e  scope! 
an  can  be  done 
y  must  first  be 
'n  are  atteinpt- 
vs  of  the  hene- 
.     We  believe 


that  thri  mnre  zral,  that  is  manifested  for  the  ronvor- 
sion  of  the  heathen  abroad — the  more  interest  will  be 
felt  for  the   heathen  at  home.      But  we  do  say  that 
thiit  is   a  false  zeal,    that  professes  to  seek  the  salva- 
tion of  souls  ill  another  hemisphere,  and  is  utterly  re- 
gardless of  the  welfare  of  the  many  precious  immor- 
t.'ils,  who  are  perishing,  on  every  side,  for   want  of 
kiiowledge ;  and  we  aflirm  that  every  judicious  and  well 
inlormed  christian  will  give  to  domf.stick  missions 
an  important  place  in  his  heart   and    in  his   charity  ; 
and,  while  he   cheerfully  aids  in  sending   the  blessed 
intelligence  of  a  Saviour's  love  to  the  Hottentot  and 
Hindoo,  and  rejoices  in  the  marvellous  change  which 
these  precious  tidings  have  elTected   in   the  once  be- 
sotted isliinders  of  the  Pacific — he  will  take,  at  least, 
equal  pleasure  in  cheering,  with  the  hopes  of  immor- 
tality, the  small  remnant  of  that  unhappy  people,  whi 
once  possessed  the  lands  which  we  now  call  our  own, 
and  once  roannMl  through  the  forests,  which  we  have 
converted  into  the  habitations  of  civilized  man.   Nor, 
will  he  feel  less  delight  in  being  happily  instrumental 
in  strengthening  the  things  which   remain,  and  are 
ready  to  die — in   reviving  the  hopes,  and    in   bright- 
ning  the  prospects  of  those  who  once  enjoyed  better 
days,  and  in  furnishing  with  the  means  of  christian 
instruction  and  spiritual  knowledge  the  rapidly  in- 
creasing population  of  our  extensive  country. 

It  was  with  a  view  to  the  accomplishment  of  these 
important  designs,  that  the  Society  was  instituted, 
whose  claims  we  now  present  to  your  respectful  con- 
sideration and  benevolent  regards. 

If  priority  in  associated  efforts  to  spread  the  gos- 
pel— if  the  patronage    of    many    distinguished    and 


«*»»W|!^ JI!  ^lUiJl'-j"!' 


24 

excellent  inen-if  the  unwearied  exertions  of  those 
to  whom  executive  duty   has  heen   comm.ttcd-and 
if  a    steady,    uniform,  and    consistent   endeavour  to 
evangelize  the  aborigines  of  our  country,  and  to  sup- 
ply with  faithful  pastors  and  missionaries  many  des- 
titute pans  of  our  Zion,  constitute  a  claim  upon  the 
attention  of   tiie  friends  of  piety  and  truth— then, 
The  Society  for  propagating  the  Gospel  among 
THE  Indians  and  others  in  North    America  will 
hold  no  inconsiderable  rank  among  the  religious  Insti- 
tutions of  the  present  day,  and  will  not  be  suffered 
to  languish  and  decline  for  want  of  the  vigorous  and 
effectual  sui)port  of  an  enlightened  publick. 

It  is  true,  other  societies,  having   similar   objects, 
have  sprung  into  existence,  and  proffered  their  claims 
upon  christian  benevolence.    We  rejoice  in  their  mul- 
tiplication-and,   in   his  name,   whose  gospel    they 
strive  to  promulgate,  we  cordially  bid  them  God  speed. 
There  is  room  enough  for   all,  and   for  many  more. 
May  they  ever  go  hand  in  hand  in  the  prosecution  ot 
the  blessed  work  in  which  they  have  engaged.     It 
will  not  impoverish  them  to  contribute  to  our  funds, 
nor  will  it  impoverish  us  to  contribute    to  theirs. 
Let  us  give  to  each  and  to  all,  as  we  have  ability 
and  opportunity  ;  and  relax  not  our  benevolent  efforts, 
until  the  earth  shall  be  full  of  the  knowledge  ot  the 
Lord,  as  the  waters  cover  the  sea. 

amen. 


^r,l_«j.  ItJIIfl  f , 


ertions   of  those 
committed — and 
nt   endeavour  to 
[itry,  and  to  sup- 
naries  many  dcs- 
11  claim  upon  the 
and  truth— then, 
i  Gospel  among 
H    America  will 
ho  religious  Insti- 
I  not  be  suffered 
the  vigorous  and 
publick. 

r   similar   objects, 
ffered  their  claims 
joice  in  their  mul- 
hose  gospel    they 
d  them  God  speed. 
1   for  many  more, 
the  prosecution  ot 
lave  engaged.     It 
ibutc  to  our  funds, 
itribute    to  theirs. 
,s  we  have  ability 
benevolent  efforts, 
knowledge  of  the 


REPORT 


or 


THE  SELECT  COMMITTEE. 

Published  by  order  of  the  Society. 


The  missions  sustained  by  the  Society  in  k*^v  towns  and 
plantations  assuming  more  and  more  of  a  pastoral  character, 
the  influence  of  them  has  become  similar  to  that  of  the  stated 
ministry  in  the  older  setUeinents.     It  admits  not  of  calcula- 
tion ;  but  it  may  be  satisfactorily  estimated  by  a  recurrence 
to  the  obviously  great  and  salutary  influence,  in  any  place, 
of  a  regular  gospel  ministry.     The  services  rendered  by  the 
Society's  missionaries  in  the  vicinity  of  their  stations,  where 
the  population  is  too  inconsiderable,  or  the  ability  of  the 
people  too  small,  to  admit  of  a  permerent  support  of  the 
Gospel,  are  of  immense  importance.     Beside  an  immediate 
influence   favourable   to  virtue    and    piety,  they  serve   to 
strengthen  the  feeble,  and  to  encourage  the  despondi.ig,  and 
prepare  the  way  for  the  formation  of  churches,  and  the 
maintenance  of  the  Christian  ministry.     The  missions  among 
the  Indians,  with  all  the  difficulties  attending  them,  are  stdl 
found  to  be  useful ;  and  the  importance  of  them  is  now  xwe 
felt  and  acknowledged,  than  it  has  formerly  been,  by  the 
Indians  themselves.    Of  their  present  influence,  and  hopeful 
aspect,  the  Society  will  be  enabled  to  form  a  judgment  from 
the  journals  of  the  missionaries. 


Missions  in  New  Setllemenls. 

In  Alfred,  Rev.  Mr.  Douglas  has  preaclied,  as  usual,  and 
administered  the  ordinances  of  the  gospel.    Two  persons 


I 


were  baptized  on  their  own  piolcssion,  and  admitted  into  thu 
church;  he  had  also  baptized  13  children.  There  were  two 
Salibath  schools  in  the  town.  Meetings  on  the  Sabbath  hpj 
been  more  generally  attended  than  usual.  Two  weeks  of 
the  mission  Mr.  Douglas  spent  in  JVatcrborough,  where  he 
"  was  welcomed  in  every  family,  and  treated  with  the  utmost 
kitidness  as  a  missionary.  Mucli  gratitude,"  he  writes,  "  was 
ex{)rcs&ed  toward  your  Society  for  having  thought  of  them 


» 


once  .nore."  Tie  here  visited  55  families,  gave  two  Bibles, 
three  New  Testaments,  three  Wilson  on  Christianity,  four 
Watls's  Catechisms,  "  the  most  of  them  to  persons  who  never 
saw  a  catechism,"  one  Doddridge's  Rise  and  Progress,  and 
preached  eight  sermons  "  to  respectable  audiences."  Mr. 
Douglas  spent  four  weeks  at  Cape  Elizabeth,  where  he  visited 
127  families,  and  three  schools,  attended  one  funeral,  and 
preached  14  sermons,  and  distributed  the  Society's  books- 
Bibles,  Testaments,  Doddridge's  Rise  and  Progress,  Wilson 
on  Christianity,  Watts's  Psalms  and  Hymns,  and  Catechisms. 
Our  missionary  writes,  that  he  he  has  never  performed  a 
mission  in  the  employment  of  the  Society,  where  greater 
attention  has  been  paid  him,  or  his  services  more  generally 
acceptable.  He  there  admitted  two  persons  into  the  church, 
and  baptized  one  child.  The  people  spoke  highly  of  our 
missionary  (Rev.  Mr.  Kellogg),  who  had  previously  visited 
them;  and  who,  Mr.  Douglas  believed,  had  been  very  useful 
among  them,  as  a  counsellor,  a  Christian,  and  a  minister. 
By  an  arrangement  of  Mr.  Douglas,  provision  was  made  for 
an  additional  Sabbath's  service  to  be  performed  by  a  neigh- 
bouring minister,  and  the  Lord's  Supper  to  be  administered. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Calef,  in  his  mission  at  Lyman  and  the 
vicinity,  preached  in  Waterburmgh  one  sabbath,  and  five 
lectures,  and  visited  40  Aimilies.  In  Holli.  he  preached  two 
sabbaths,  and  visited  64  families,  and  one  school.  His  ser- 
vices  on  the  sabbath  were  well  attended,  and  he  received 
very  kind  treatment  from  the  people  there,  in  Ossipee  ht 
preached  one  sabbath,  and  five  lecturer, ;  and  visited  32 
families  and  one  school.    "Their  attention  to  meeting  and 


iiiuwg  iMTigj— wgr^w 


and  admitted  into  iht 
icii.     There  were  two 
s  on  the  Sabbath  li?j 
sual.     Two  weeks  of 
ilcrborough,  where  lie 
•eated  with  the  utmost 
lude,"  he  writes,  "  was 
ving  tiiought  of  them 
ies,  gave  two  Bibles, 
on  Christianity,  four 
to  persons  who  never 
se  and  Progress,  and 
ble  audiences.''     Mr. 
beth,  where  he  visited 
Jed  one  funeral,  and 
the  Society's  books— 
and  Progress,  Wilson 
■mns,  and  Catechisms. 
s  never  performed  a 
ciety,  where  greater 
[•vices  more  generally 
rsons  into  the  church, 
spoke  highly  of  our 
ad  previously  visited 
had  been  very  useful 
ian,  and  a  minister, 
ovision  was  made  for 
erformed  by  a  neigh- 
to  be  administered. 

at  Lyman  and  the 
le  sabbath,  and  /ive 
ollia  he  preached  two 
no  school.  His  ser- 
5d,  and  he  received 
there,  in  Ossipee  ht 
res;  and  visited  32 
tion  to  meetirg  and 


27 

religious  conversation  was  interesting."  The  remainder  of 
his  mission  he  spent  in  Lyman  ,•  assigning  as  the  reasons,  that 
it  had  been  very  sickly  in  his  parish,  and  that  an  unusual 
seriousness  in  it  had  required  his  spetial  attention,  in  the 
course  of  three  months  he  admitted  1 1  persons  into  his  church; 
and  expected  that  a  number  more  would  soon  publicly  make 
a  profession.  He  had  weekly  prayer  meetings,  and  had 
reason  to  hope  that  a  blessing  had  attended  them. 


The  Rev.  Mr.  Peet  preached  the  first  week  of  his  mission 
in  Madison  on  the  sabbath,  and  one  lecture.     Attending  a 
meeting  of  Association,  he  preached  once  in  China,  where 
there  had  been  considerable  religious  attention;   and  also 
visited  Vassalborough,  where  there  appeared  a  very  deep  in- 
terest in  religious  concerns,   and  where,  finding  that  Mr. 
Adams  needed  help,  he  performed  public  service.   During  the 
second  week,  he  preached  on  the  sabbath  in  Anson,  to  an 
attentive  congregation ;  one  lecture  in  Madison,  and  one  in 
Mercer,  "  where  the  little  church  value  the  privileges  of  the 
gospel ; "  attended  a  conference ;  visited  a  number  of  families  5 
and  again  visited  Vassalborough.    "  It  was  truly  animating 
to  see  together  so  many  new-l  Dm  souls,  delightfully  engaged 
in  worshipping  God,  and  listening  to  the  word  of  truth." 
The  third  week  Mr.  Peet  pseached  in  Starks,  which  he  found 
much  disheartened,  "not  having  ability  to   procure  gospel 
privileges,  and  not  having  received  the  ordinance  of  the  Sup- 
per for  more  than  a  year.     He  preached  a  preparatory 
lecture,  and  on  the  sabbath  preached  and  administered  the 
Lord's  Supper.     He  preached  two  other  lectures,  and  ad- 
dressed a  Sabbath  school.     The  fourth  week  he  preached  io 
Kingfield,  and  two  lectures;   preached  twice  in  Madison, 
administered  the  Lord's  Supper,  and  baptized  one  child; 
attended  the  examination  of  a  Sabbath  school,  and  addres-sed 
the  scholars.    During  the  mission  he  preached  20  sermons; 
attended  vo  meetings  for  couference  and  prsiyer;  administered 
the  Lord's  Supper  twice ;  baptism  once ;  addressed  two  sab- 
bath schools ;  attended  one  meeting  for  religious  inquiry,  and 
one  funeral,  and  visited  from  house  to  house,  as  he  lound  it 


"«»ai<»aE«sasjs»>*y 


■ftfa^****^*?^'   ^^J*-=T^^ 


I 


28 

convenient.  The  people,  where  these  labours  have  been 
performed,  attend  to  coiigregiUional  preaching  when  they 
have  opportunity.  "  They  appear  grateful  for  your  charity ; 
but  are  unable  to  make  any  remuneraiion." 

Ttii:  Rev.  Mr.  Kkllogg  was  kindly  received  by  the  church 
and  society  at  Perry ;  and  he  found  them  united,  and  ready  to 
receive  the  word  with  joy.  His  principal  labours  in  this  place 
were  among  the  Indians ;  but  he  preached  every  sabbath  to 
the  white  people  in  Perry  and  the  vicinity.  Saturdays 
he  devoted  to  personal  visits  among  them,  and  distributed 
books  and  tracts.  They  treated  him  as  a  father;  attended 
public  worship;  kept  united  as  a  people;  and  were  grateful 
for  the  care  the  Society  has  taken  of  them.     They  are  quite 

in  an  infant  state,  and  implore  farther  aid. Mr.  Kellogg 

performed  the  service  assigned  him  at  Cape  Elizabeth,  where 
he  preached  gratuitously  long  beyond  the  term  of  his  mis- 
sion. On  account  of  "  the  low  circumstances  of  the  people," 
he  thinks  their  claims  for  our  charity  arc  as  strong  as  those 
of  any  destitute  church  in  the  county  of  York  or  Cumber- 
land, perhaps  of  any  place  that  can  be  named.  He  made 
pastoral  visits  to  97  families;  distributed  tracts  in  every 
family ;  and  attended  four  funerals.  This  people  had  had  no 
assistance  from  any  other  missionary  society,  excepting  four 
weeks  a  year  or  two  preceding,  and  expressed  a  particular 

interest  in  the  labours  of  our  missionary. Mr.  Kellogg 

visited  the  principal  Islands  in  Cacso  Bay,  preached,  midc 
pastoral  visits,  and  distributed  tracts  presented  by  Richard 
Cobb,  Esq.  of  Portland.  He  visited  82  families.  There 
are  on  the  outer  isLnds,  which  he  did  not  visit,  about  30 
jp^milies. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Bigelow  has  continued  his  labours  in  the 
mission  assigned  to  him.  After  some  discouraging  circum- 
stances in  the  temporal  concerns  of  the  Society  at  LuheCy  great 
exertions  were  made,  a  d  with  such  success  as  to  encourage 
the  expectation  cf  a  permanent  continuance  of  their  religious 
privileges.    "  The  result,"  says  our  missionary,  «  has  been 


'  f!i.vmm*^mmmtk^n'.fAmm.'  ""mi^m^'^n^^^^^'^f^^s^^" 


labours  have  been 
faching  when  they 
ul  for  your  charity ; 


eivcd  by  the  church 
united,  and  ready  to 
labours  in  this  place 
;d  every  sabbath  to 
icinity.  Saturdays 
iui,  and  distributed 
a  lather;  attended 
;  and  were  grateful 
n.     They  are  quite 

id. Mr.  Kellogg 

pe  Elizabeth,  where 
le  term  of  his  rais- 
ices  of  the  people," 
c  as  strong  as  those 
f  York  or  Cumber- 
named.  He  made 
;d  tracts  in   every 

1  people  had  had  no 
iety,  excepting  four 
)ressed  a  particular 

y. Mr.  Kellogg 

y;  preached,  made 
sented  by  Richard 

2  families.  There 
not  visit,  about  30 


his  labours  in  the 
iscouraging  circuin- 
;iety  at  Lubec,  great 
ess  as  to  encourage 
ce  of  their  religious 
ionary,  "  has  been 


29  • 

peculiarly  gratifying  to  my  own  feelings,  and  will  no  doubt 
be  so  to  your  Society  ;  for  it  proves  that  the  aid  which  yoa 
have  so  liberally  bestowed  has  not  been  in  vain;  and  that 
the  inhabitants  have  become  so  convinced  of  the  value  of  the 
institutions  of  the  gospel,  that  they  are  prepared  to  make 
great  personal  sacrifices  to  retain  them.  And  may  we  not 
view  it  as  a  pledge  of  future  success?  For  the  aid  which 
the  Society  for  propagating  the  Gospel  has  extended  so  geir 
erously  and  so  long,  the  society  in  Lubec  request  me  to  tender 
you  their  most  grateful  acknowledgments ;  and  also  to  solicit 

the  continuance  of  the  same  during  the  ensuing  year." 

During  the  year  past,  he  preached  three  quarters  of  the  time 
at  the  meetinghouse  in  the  village,  and  the  other  quarter  at  the 
meetinghouse  in  another  part  of  the  town.     In  both  places 
the  attention  has  been  as  great,  and  in  some  instances  the 
number  (particularly  at  the  Neck)  greater  than  at  any  former 
period.     Our  missionary  baptized   six  children,  and  two 
adults ;  admitted  three  to  the  church ;  and  attended  10  fu- 
nerals, at  several  of  which  sermons  were  preached ;   and 
visited  most  of  the  families  in  town.    "  I   exchanged  one 
sabbath,"  says  Mr.  B.,  "  with  your  indefatigable  missionary 
at  Perry,  and  was  much  pleased  to  find  the  house  of  worship 
full,  and  the  audience  very  attentive.     His  labours  and  pri- 
vations have   been  very  great  at  Perry,  and   among  the 
Indians,  and  have  been  attended  with  more  success  than  the 
most  sanguine  anticipated,  who  knew  the  extreme  degrada- 
tion and  the  strong  prejudices  of  the  Indians.     During  the 
past  winter  three  or  four  families  of  these  Indians  have  en- 
camped  on  an  island  opposite  to  Lubec,  and  attended  meeting 
with  us  on  the  sabbath  occasionally.     This  is  entirely  new 
for  them,  and  shows  that  their  prejudices  in  favour  of  the 
Roman  Catholic  Religion  are  not  invincible.     I  hope   this 
attempt  to  instruct  and  civilize  them  will  not  be  abandoned. 
Last  summer  a  very  interesting  and   flourishing   Sabbath 
school  was  maintained  in  Lubec.     About  50  children  attend- 
ed constantly,  and  with  remarkable  proficiency  in  comnaUtmg 
to  memory  the  Scriptures  and  their  catechisms.    'During 
the  four  years,"  says  the  missionary,  "  that  I  have  been  set- 


tied  in  Lubiic,  19  have  been  added  to  the  church,  15  by 
profession,  and  some  by  letter.  1  have  reason  to  hope,  that 
several  others  have  been  led  to  repertance  ;  and  that  a  happy 
effect  has,  in  many  instances,  been  produced  upon  the  morals 
and  habits  of  the  people.  In  looking  back  u/ion  the  past,  I 
see  much  cause  for  humility,  as  well  as  gratitude.  1  am 
often  reminded  of  the  motto  of  your  Society,  Not  by  might, 
NOR  Bv  i-owER,  BUT  BY  MY  SiMRiT ;  and  it  is  my  earnest  prayer, 
that  the  Spirit  of  God  may  give  increased  success  to  your 
efforts,  and  to  all  the  labours  of  your  missionaries." 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Parker  performed  his  mission  of  two  months 
chiefly  in  Dresden  and  Richmond.  He  preached  29  sermons ; 
administered  the  Lord's  Supper  three  times;  attended  10 
prayer  meetings;  visited  51  families,  the  sick  four  times,  and 
eight  schools;  and  attended  four  funerals.  While  our  mis- 
sionary expresses  humiliation,  that  his  labours  have  not  been 
more  signally  blest,  yet  he  hoped  and  trusted,  that  he  had 
not  laboured  altogether  in  vain.  The  parish  is  low  in  num- 
bers and  resources.  They  must  therefore  continue  to  depend 
on  foreign  aid,  or  the  minister's  gratuitous  services,  or  be 
deprived  of  stated  worship  and  ordinances  for  a  considerable 
part  of  the  year. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Adams  has  pursued  the  same  course  as  to 
the  distribution  of  his  labours  between  Vassalbormgh^  Wins- 
low,  and  Clinton,  as  in  years  past.    The  routine  of  his  duties 
has  not  varied  materially  from  that  of  former  years,  except- 
ing that  he  has  "  had  occasion  to  labour  more  abund  intly. 
It  has  been  a  year  of  uncommon  interest  and  solemnity." 
Since  the  last  Report,  94  have  been  received  at  the  commu- 
nion of  the  church  in  Vassalborough.    Of  these,  83  reside  in 
Vassalborough ;  the  rest  united  with  the  brarich  of  that  church 
at  Winsljw ;  and  the  church,  which,  at  the  time  of  Mr.  Adams's 
ordination,  contained  15  members,  now  contains  134.    The 
influence  of  this  deep  and  solemn  attention  to  their  religious 
interests  has  been  visibly  favourable  to  the  cause  of  Christ. 
When  our  missionary  made  his  Report,  the  people  were  en- 


im:>M 


^ssssimsmsm^i^es^^ss^^^^^^^sm 


■mm^ 


the  churcli,  15  by 
eason  to  hope,  that 
;  and  that  a  happy 
;d  upon  the  morals 
ck  ufion  the  past,  1 
i  gratitude.  1  am 
ety,  Not  by  miqht, 
my  earnest  prayer, 
i  success  to  your 
onaries." 

sion  of  two  months 
ached  29  sermons ; 
mes;  attended  10 
ck  four  times,  and 
While  our  mis- 
urs  have  not  been 
jsted,  that  he  had 
sh  is  low  in  num- 
ontinue  to  depend 
IS  services,  or  be 
or  a  considerable 


3ime  course  as  to 
salborough,  Wins- 
itine  of  his  duties 
er  years,  except- 
lore  abundmtly. 
and  solemnity." 
d  at  the  comma- 
hese,  83  reside  in 
ch  of  that  church 
e  of  Mr.  Adams's 
itains  134.    The 
to  their  religious 
cause  of  Christ, 
people  were  en- 


-■it  . 

gaged  in  building  a  parsonage  hou.e.    "This,"  he  writes, 
^  seems  to  be  an  important  step  towards  a  permanent  arrange- 
ment.     At  Winslow  we  have  now,  i  should  think,  three  lime* 
as  many  attendants  on  public  worship,  as  when  1  first  com- 
menced my  public  labours  there.     Their  house  of  worship 
which  was  old  and  decayed,  has  been  undergoing  a  thorough 
repair,  which  was  to  be  completed  the  past  season*     At  Chn- 
ton,  attendance  on  public  worship  continued  to  be  good.     U 
was  confidently  hoped,  that  a  meetinghouse  would   be  built 
there  in  the  course  of  the  year.     There  is  reason  to  believe, 
that  the  foundations  are  strengthening,  and  that  the  fostering 
care,  heretofore  extended  to  this  people,  has  not  been  wholly 
in  vain."    A  hope  is  expressed,  that  there  will  be  a  contmu- 
ance  of  the  Society's  aid. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Kurd  has  "  met  the  last  year  some  en- 
couragement" at  Frycbur^.    Meetings  on  the  sabbath  well 
attended  ;  there  were  instances  of  serious  attention  and  hope- 
ful  conversion;  and,  at  the  time  of  his  Report,  eight  persons 
stood  propounded  for  admission  into  the  church.    "  Meetings 
for  prayer  and  religious  improvement  during  the  week,  had 
been  kept  up  by  the  church,  and  some  good  done  by  them. 
A  Tract  Society  and  Depository  have  been  established,  and 
many  tracts  read  and  distributed  in  this  region— formerly,  and 
even  now,  very  destitute  of  religious  books.    Our  missionary 
had  received  three  into  his  church,  and  baptized  nine  chU- 
dren  in  Fryeburg,  and  one  in  Denmark.     He  spent  nine 
weeks,  the  last  year,  in  Denmark— part  of  the  lime  for  the 
Maine   Missionary  Society;   and  distributed  many  of  our 
Society's  books,  and  many  tracts  among  that  people.     All 
the  books,  sent  him  the  first  year  of  his  mission,  he  distributed 
with  his  own  hands  in  destitute  families  in  Fryebiirg,  Canway, 
Brownjield,  Hiram,  Denmark,  and  Chatham.    They  were  very 
thankfully  received,  and  gave  him  "an  opportunity  of  speak- 
ing -,alvation  to  them.    Without  your  continued  aid,"  he  re- 
marks, "the  gospel  will   be  removed  from  this  place.     I 
therefore,  in  behalf  of  my  church  and  people,  request  your 
patronage  for  the  year  to  come.     I  hope  we  shall,  in  three 


I ' 


32 

or  fotir  years  more,  be  able  to  live  without  charity.  Till 
that  tirae,  we  look  to  your  Society—grateful  for  what  you 
have  done— and  give  thanks  to  God  for  the  disposition  ho 
has  given  you  towards  us,  and  praying  him  to  grant  a  blessing 
on  you,  and  hoping  to  have  a  remembrance  in  your  prayers 
and  charities  in  time  to  come." 

The  labours  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Nourse,  on  his  mission  of 
eight  sabbaths,  were  exclusively  devoted  to  the  people  of 
Mariuville.    "  Your  services  through  me,"  he  writes,  "  have 
been  gratefully  received.     My  meetings  have  been  well  at- 
tended, and  I  have  been  heard  with  a  pleasing  degree  of 
attention.  Good,  I  hope  and  believe,  has  been  done."    Three 
or  four  sabbaths  he  preached  three  times,  but  not  to  the  same 
audience.     He  "  made  ib  a  point  to  visit  all  the  schools  which 
he  found  within  his  reach;  and  made  not  less  than  seven  or 
eight  of  these  visits.     His  account  of  the  state  of  the  schools 
is  favourable.    "  I  feel  much  pleasure  in  informing  you,  that 
the  subject  of  education  receives  a  laudable  degree  of  at- 
tention in  this  new  settlement.     Their  schools  are  faithfully 
taught  by  competent  instructers,  and  of  course  they  are  in  a 
flourishing  condition."  Our  missionary  preached  a  funeral  ser- 
mon on  occasion  of  the  death  of  "  an  interesting  young  man, 
whose  temper  and  life  evinced  the  power  of  his  faith.     He 
endured  half  a  year's  sickness  with  the  most  perfect  com- 
posure and  resignation,  and  left  the  world  in  the  triumph  of 
faith."    The  account  of  Gouldsborough  is  pleasing  and  en- 
couraging.    "They  are  building  a  very  commodious  and 
suitable  meetinghouse.     Their  prospects  brighten."     The 
people  of  Mariaville  made  our  missionary  a  payment  to  the 
amount  of  half  the  expense  of  his  mission.     Beside  general 
expressions  of  a  grateful  reception  of  the  Society's  "  liberality 
to  this  people,"  Mr.  Nourse  writes,  «  numbers  have  been  very 
particular  in  requesting  mc  to  express  to  you  the  high  sense 
they  have  of  your  kindness  and  Christian  benevolence." 
'J'hcy  cherish  the  hope  that  we  shall  not  forget,  nor  neglect 
them.  ^ 


"■•»•?'- 


lOut  charity.  Till 
eful  for  what  you 
the  disposition  he 
1  to  grant  a  blessing 
;c  in  your  prayers 


on  his  mission  of 
I  to  the  people  of 
"  he  writes,  "  have 
lavc  been  well  at- 
^leasing  degree  of 
een  done."    Three 
>ut  not  to  the  same 
I  the  schools  which 
less  than  seven  or 
state  of  the  schools 
iforming  you,  that 
ible  degree  of  at- 
ools  are  faithfully 
urse  they  are  in  a 
ched  a  funeral  ser- 
esting  young  man, 
of  his  faith.     He 
Host  perfect  com- 
I  in  the  triumph  of 
pleasing  and  en- 
commodious  and 
brighten."     The 
a  payment  to  the 
.     Beside  general 
ciety's  "  liberality 
•s  have  been  very 
ou  the  high  sense 
ian  benevolence." 
brget,  nor  neglect 


33 

T«E  Rev.  Mr.  WK.TO.,  of  Lebanon,  labouro.!  three  week, 
of  ,he  six  assigned  to  lu.n,  will,  his  own  ,..-oplc ;  a.>a    he    c 
lining  three  he  spent  abroad.     ^^'^^    ''^fZ^^ 
town  iS  the  vicinity  of  a  population  .n  the  ^-^^^^^^^ 
„,uch  more  destitute  of  the  stated  means  of  .r.cx     I  ha    Iha 
.vhich  immediately  borders  upon  the  '"'«^'°"7/'^""J,;; 
Maine,  our  missionary  laboured  in  destUu te  P*--  '"^^^ 
Hampshire,  in  his  vicinity.     He  spent   thr.e  ^^bbath     m 
,4^  in  the  county  of  Strafl.nl,  and  i.om  the  .n.r^s 

:  ortTncTwhere  there  i  an  ^^f^"^^^  :^::^t 
Js  a  settled  congregational  m.n.ster.    \he  church  has 
come  extinct;  but  materials  for  a  church  a  c  to  b      ound 
there"     He  spent  a  few  days  m  New  Durham,  ^^herc  ne 
S  a  few  c/ngregational  families,  which  once  .joyed  ^^^ 
benefus  of  a  regular  ministry  ;  but,  ^^^^^^'^^l'^  ;r'J ^ 
into  the  wilderness,  have  not  so  much  as  seen  ^he  face  oi 
«nary.     During  his  ab--  f- J^^^^^^^^ 
f..nios,preachedi4sexmons  andv^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^         more  and 

irarhe^dt^s^Tiw^^^^^^ 

of  their  continuance." 
The  Rev.  Mr.  Page  spent  three  of  the  six  weeks  assi^ed 

pastor,  and  he  was  snoruy  lu  u  „r»9rhpd  three 

missionary  made  more  than  40  family  vis.ts ;  preached 


34 

times  on  the  Sabbath ;  altcmlod  lectures  during  tlip  work ; 
and  propounded  tlirco  persons  for  admission  into  the  church. 
"  In  Limington  there  hus  been  as  much  to  encourage  us,  per- 
haps, as  could  reasonably  be  expected.  The  state  ol'  the 
church  and  of  religion  here  had  become  very  discouraging. 
Encouraged,  howevc*,  with  the  prospect  of  receiving  assist- 
ance from  abroad,  they  were  excited  to  exertion;  and  with 
this  assistance,  and  by  contributing  themselves  as  far  as  they 
were  able,  and  some  even  beyond  their  ability,  thry  havr 
succeedtJ  as  yet  in  maintaining  the  gospel  among  them."— 
Since  Mr.  I'age  commenced  his  labours  in  Limington,  there 
had  been  an  accession  of  12  members  to  the  church;  the 
whole  number  in  the  chtirth,  when  he  made  his  Report,  was 
27.  Their  meetings  have,  for  the  most  part,  been  well  at- 
tended; the  congregation,  from  the  time  of  Mr.  Page's  settle- 
ment, has  been  gradually  increasing ;  and,  when  he  closed 
his  journal,  "  it  was  nearly  or  (juite  double  of  what  it  was  at 
the  first.  Our  meetinghouse,"  he  writes,  "  has  been  since 
finished,  and  a  sabbath  school  kept  for  two  seasons,  at- 
tended by  between  40  and  60  children.  On  the  whole, 
things  appear  to  be  in  a  promising  state  among  this  people. 
The  field  is  certainly  an  important  one.  The  town  embrace? 
a  population  of  more  than  2,200  souls."  The  assistance  ol 
the  Society  is  gratefully  acknowledged,  and  its  continuance 
solicited. 


The  grant  made,  the  last  year,  to  the  Isles  or  Shoals  was 
gratetully  acknowledged  by  the  Directors  of  the  Society  for 
promoting  religious  instruction  at  those  Islands.  Miss  Pba- 
BODY,  as  appears  by  their  last  Report,  kept  her  school  for  a 
year.  The  number  of  scholars  was  from  1 5  to  24.  "  The 
progress  of  the  scholars  was  as  great  as  it  was  reasonable  to 
expect.  A  committee  of  the  Directors  visited  the  school, 
and  were  pleased  with  its  appearance."  A  Sunday  school 
was  kept  during  the  year ;  "  the  children  were  very  punctual, 
and  committed  the  lessons  well."  On  the  Sabbath,  Miss 
Peabody  often  read  religious  discourses  to  several  of  the 
people  collected  together  j  and  their  attention  was  respectful 


i 


8  during  thr  wcf  k  ; 
;ioii  into  the  church. 
5  encourage  us,  prr- 

The  state  ot  thf 
;  very  discouraging. 
t  of  receiving  assisi- 
I  exertion  ;  and  with 
selves  as  far  as  they 
r  ability,  they  havr 
pel  among  them.'"— 
in  Limington,  there 
to  the  church  ;  th(> 
idc  hia  Report,  was 
part,  been  well  ;it- 
of  Mr.  Page's  sett  le- 
nd, when  he  closed 
)le  of  what  it  was  at 
!s,  "  has  been  sincr 
For  two  seasons,  at- 
?n.  On  the  whole, 
J  among  this  people. 
The  town  embraces 

The  assistance  ol 
and  its  continuance 


Isles  or  Shoals  was 
rs  of  the  Society  for 

Islands.  Miss  Pea- 
ept  her  school  for  a 
am  15  to  24.  "The 
it  was  reasonable  to 
3  visited  the  school, 
"  A  Sunday  school 
» were  very  punctual, 

the  Sabbath,  Miss 
es  to  several  of  the 
ention  was  respectful 


ii5 

and  solemn.  Religious  tracts,  plain  and  Pr«^'';=-\|:;;:;  ^;;'; 
circulated  among  such  as  were  able  to  read.  1  here  has 
b  en  sou^c  visible  improvement;  "and  the  people  generally 

„re  becoming  more  sensible  of  the  -l-^'T^t' Direct    ^ 
,i.lous  institutions  supported  among  them.'      J  he  D  recto  s 
express  the  high  sense  they  entertainof  Miss  Peabody  s  hd  h- 
ty  and  disinterested  zeal  in  the  service  of  the  Society.      Her 
t\  has  been  great,  her  labours  abundant,  and  even     o. 
han  it  was  reasonable  to  expect  has  been  ---P''^^^ [ 
^  missionary  has  since  been  engaged  by  the  Director..    1  he 
school  was  bkewise  to  be  taught  by  one  of  h^s    amdy^nd 
instruction  given  in  the  domestic  arts,  as  durmg  the  prcceung 
year. 


MISSIONS 

AMONG  THE  INDIANS. 


The  Slockbridge  Tribe. 

The  death  of  our  late  missionary,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Sergeant, 
and  the  projected  removal  of  the  New  Stockbridge  Ind.ans 
JoGreen  Bay,  have,  for  the  present,  considerably  affected 
this  mission.     In  March  last,  a  letter  was  communicated  to 
he  Select  Committee,  signed  by  "  the  chiefs  and  principal 
1  of  Muhheconnuk  or  Stockbridge  Tribe  of  Ind.ans,  in 
behalf  of  themselves  and  their  people,"  viz.  Hendrick  Au- 
paumut,  John   Metoxen,    C/.ie/,     and    John    W.  Qu.nn  J, 
Llomon  U.  Hendrick,  and  Joseph  M.  ^-^'^'y-JXtiZ 
of  the  letter  was,  to  solicit  the  continuance  of  the  Society  s 
grants  in  behalf  of  the  tribe.    "We  present  to  the  Society 
our  grateful  acknowledgments  for  the  favours  you  have  here- 
tofore  bestowed  on  us  your  children;  that  for  many  years 
you  have  supported  a  minister  of  the  gospel  among  us,  and 
aided  us  in  the  education  of  our  young  people,  and  we  would 


■ 


bo  cnrmira^jpd  by  your  paternal  kintlness,  which  we  have 
so  Inrij;  oxpericnrrd,  to  rcijucM  a  conlinimncc  of  the  same. 
Wp  (hiiik  the  gn«pr|   find   il^*  onlitiancrs  have  been  a  groat 
blessing  to  our  peonlo,  ami  wc  frel  very  unwilling  that  our 
meetinghouse  should  he  left  empty  on  the  Sabbath,  and  our 
people  without  n  spiritual  guide.     It  hath  pleased  the  great 
Sovereign  of  the  rniverse  in  his  unerring  wisdom,  to  remove 
out  oftiiueourvenerihle  lather  Rev.  John  Sergeant,  on  the  7lh 
of  September  last,  by  which  we  became  as  poor  little  orphan 
children."     A   Utter,  signed    by  Rev.  President    Davis  (of 
Hamilton  College),  A.  S.  Norton,  and  Calvin  Bushnell,  ap- 
proving the  memorial  of  the  Indians,  accompanied  the  com- 
munication.    The  Select  Committee,  having  maturely  con- 
sidered the  subject,  Voted,  That  the  Secretary  institute  a 
correspondence  with  Rev.  President  Davis,  to  obtain  from 
liim  ample  information  respecting  the  situation  of  the  Stock- 
bridge  Indians  residing  both  at  Stockbridge  and  Green  Bay, 
regarding  their  wants,  their  own  resources,  and  the  aid  they 
receive  from  other  denominations  of  Christians;    also,  that 
fifty  dollars  be  now  granted  for  the  religious  and  moral  in- 
struction of  the  said  Indians,  to  be  appropriated,  the  whole 
or  in  part,  to  any  such  objects  and  in  any  way,  which  may 
be  thought  most  for  their  advantage  by  President  Davis. 
According  to  the  instructions  of  the  Select  CoTimittee,  the 
Secretary  opened  a  correspondence  with   President  Davis, 
who  bestowed  particular  attention  upon  the  subject,  and  very 
obligingly  communicated   the   desired    information   to    the 
Secre.  ...     Dr.  Davis  derived  much  of  his  information  from 
Rev.  Mr.  Miner,  who  had  been  preaching   to   the  English 
Presbyterian  church  and  society  in  New  Stockbridge,  and 
who  visited  him  in  company  with  John  Metoxen.    "  Metoxen 
is  a  chief  of  the  tribe ;  a  sober,  pious,  discreet,  intelligent 
man,  and  has  great  influence  with  them."— The  Stockbridge 
bidians,  Brotherton,  Oneidas,  Tuscaroras,  Munsees,  and  St. 
Regis,  purchased,  some  time  since,  of  the  VVinnebagoes  and 
Menommeenecs,  with  the  approbation  of  the  government  of 
the  United  Slates,  about  three  million  acres,  bordering  on 
Green  Bay ;  but  none  of  these  people,  with  the  exception 


.  .1  pill  .11  PI  iiw-imnrtin 


is,  which  we  havp 
M\cc  of  the  same. 
have  been  a  groat 
(in willing  thai  our 
Sahbath,  and  our 
1  plrasnl  the  great 
wisfhjm,  to  remove 
5crgcant,on  the  7lh 
(  poor  little  orphan 
resident   Davis  (of 
alvin  Bushneli,  ap- 
ompanied  the  corn- 
zing  maturely  con- 
crctary  institute  a 
/is,  to  obtain  from 
ation  of  the  Stock- 
Ige  and  Green  Bay, 
I,  and  the  aid  they 
rislians;    also,  that 
ious  and  moral  in- 
opriated,  the  whole 
y  way,  which  may 
y  President  Davis. 
eel  CoTimittee,  the 
h   President  Davis, 
ic  subject,  and  very 
information   to    the 
[lis  information  from 
ing   to   the  English 
V  Stockbridge,  and 
[etoxen.    "  Metoxen 
discreet,  intelligent 
"_The  Stockbridge 
3,  Munsees,  and  St. 
le  VVinnebagoes  and 
f  the  government  of 
acres,  bordering  on 
with  the  exception 


37 

of  a  pr»rt  of  the  Rtockbri<lge  tribe,  have  removed   to  the 
purchased   territory.     Of   the    Stockbridge   tribe,    130   are 
now  at  Green  Bay;  about  150  remain  in  New  Stockbridge; 
and  about  30  more  are  settled,  or  wandrring,  in  other  parts  of 
the  stale,  and  are  not  considered  as  actmtl  members  of  the 
tribe.  The  church  in  New  Stockbridge  consists  of  ten  regular 
intnibers,  two  males  and  eight  females,  with  three  or  four 
that  n.e  under  censure.—"  Excepting  the  aid  received  from 
your  Board,"  Dr.  Davis  writes,  "  they  arc  not,  as  I  under- 
stand,  either   at   New   Stockbridge   or  Green    Bay,   aided 
liirrctly  by  any  society  or  denomination  of  Christians.     It  is 
obvious,"  he  observes,  "  as  circumstances  now  arc,  that  the 
wants  of  the  people  at  Green  Bay  are  more  imperious  than 
of  those  in  New  Stockbridge ;  and  that  whatever  is  done  for 
the  latter  ought  to  be  done  with  a  reference  to  their  ultimate 
removal ;  and  in  such  a  manner  as  shall  not  tend  to  retard 

that  event."  * 

The  Select  Committee  having  recommended  a  grant  to 
these  Indians,  under  the  direction  of  Dr.  Davis,  and  other 
.^cntlemen  entitled  to  the  fullest  confidence  ;  the  Society,  at 
its  annual  meeting,  voted,  "That  a  sum  not  exceeding  one 
hundred  and  seventy-five  dollars  be  allowed  to  the  Indians 
at  New  Stockbridge  and  Green  Bay,  under  the  direction  of 
President  Davis,  Rev.  Dr.  Norton,  and  Nathan  Williams, 
Esq."    This  vote  was  communicated  to  President  Davis  by 
the  Secretary ;  and  the  Society  will  be  enabled  to  judge  of 
its  future  duties  toward  this  tribe  of  Indians  by  the  farther 
advices,  which  may,  in  due  time,  be  expected. 

Indians  at  Murtha's  Vineyard,  Xanlucket,  and  Karraganstt. 

The  Indian  schools,  under  the  care  and  superintendence 
of  Mr.  Baylies,  arc  in  a  flourishing  state.  By  his  last  Journal 
it  appears,  that  he  taught  the  school  at  Chabaqmddick  four 

*  The  Sociftt  iH  Scotlai^d  for  promoti-«o  Christian  Know- 
LiuoE  has  uniformly  given  £100  sterling  per  annun  toward  the 
support  if  the  missioLfy  at  New  Stockbridge,  through  th«  medium  of 
a  Board  of  Commissioners  at  Boston. 


98 

weeks,  and  employed  Mrs.  Carter,  an  Indian  woman,  12 
weeks.  At  Christiantown  he  taught  two  weeks,  and  employed 
Miss  Luce  nine  weeks.  At  Gay  Head  he  taught  four  -veeks, 
and  employed  Mrs.  Wamsley,  an  Indian  woman,  six  weeks; 
and  the  Indians  employed  also  Aaron  Cooper,  an  Indian  man, 
six  weeks.  At  JVanlucket  Mr.  Baylies  taught  four  weeks,  and 
employed  Miss  Boston,  an  Indian  woman,  12  weeks — the 
Indians  boarding  her.  At  Westporl  he  taught  two  weeks,  and 
employed  Miss  Cottle  &ix  weeks.  At  Xarraganset  he  taught 
four  weeks,  and  employed  Mrs.  Hazard  12  weeks.  In  this 
school  he  had  50  Indians  and  25  whites.  Of  the  Indian  scholars, 
in  all  the  schools,  101  were  writers;  100 read  in  the  Testament, 
70  in  the  spelling  book,  and  32  in  the  alphabet.  Mr.  Baylies 
presented  very  handsome  specimens  of  their  writing,  which 
were  highly  gratifying  to  the  Society.  The  whole  number  of 
Indian  scholars  was  103;  of  whites,  97;  total,  300.  The 
six  schools,  taken  together,  have  been  taught  81  weeks.  Mr. 
Baylies  "  endeavoured  to  employ  respectable  women  for 
teachers,  such  as  would  be  faithful  and  acceptable.  In  their 
schools  were  taught  the  branches  that  are  commonly  taught 
in  women  schools.  In  review  of  the  whole,"  he  observes, 
"'  the  schools  have  exceeded  my  expectation ;  and  1  cannot 
be  sufficiently  thankful  to  God,  who  has  thus  prospered  my 
public  endeavours,  and  the  labours  of  my  hands.  It  is  a 
pleasing  task  to  teach  the  untutored  Indian  how  to  read  the 
word  of  God,  and  how  to  record  his  pious  meditations  with 
his  own  hand.  Your  bounty  has  enabled  me  to  supply  the 
schools  with  many  books,  and  plenty  of  paper."  The  books 
and  tracts,  which  he  received  from  the  Society  and  from 
benevolent  individuals,  he  distributed  in  his  schools,  and 
where  he  thought  they  would  do  good ;  and  "  had  reason  to 
trust  that  many  of  them  are  read  with  profit." 


Of  Mr.  Lake's  labours  among  the  coloured  people  of  Nan- 
tucket, some  notice  was  taken  in  the  last  Report.  By  his 
subsequent  returns  it  appears,  that,  having  visited  Nantucket, 
he  "  stopped  here  at  the  request  of  the  good  citizens,  in  order 
to  help  the  Indians ;  that  he  laboured  two  seasons ;  that  in 


Indian  woman,  12 
?eks,  and  employed 
taught  four  "veeks, 
woman,  six  weeks; 
per,  an  Indian  man, 
ght  four  weeks,  and 
an,  12  weeks — the 
ight  two  weeks,  and 
\rraganset  he  taught 
12  weeks.  In  this 
'  the  Indian  scholars, 
id  in  the  Testament, 
liabet.  Mr.  Baylies 
heir  writing,  which 
he  whole  number  of 
;  total,  300.  The 
ight  81  weeks.  Mr. 
cctable  women  for 
:ceptable.  In  their 
re  commonly  taught 
hole,"  he  observes, 
ation ;  and  I  cannot 
thus  prospered  my 
my  hands.  It  is  a 
an  how  to  read  the 
js  meditations  with 
d  me  to  supply  the 
5aper."  The  books 
!  Society  and  from 
in  his  schools,  and 
ind  "  had  reason  to 
ofit." 

jred  people  of  Nan- 
st  Report.  By  his 
g  visited  Nantucket, 
lod  citizens,  in  order 
wo  seasons ;  that  in 


39 

one  of  these  he  collected  upwards  of  $100  for  the  building 
0   their  ho.se  for  worship  and  instruction ;  that  he  laboured 
among  them  in  word  and  doctrine  ;  that  in  the  second  season 
he  coUected  $60,  and  a  Bible  for  the  pulpit  and  many  other 
books,  which  he  distributed  among  them;  that  the  house  wa 
dedicated  on  the  4th  of  January  last,  on  which  occasion  he 
preached  from  Isaiah  Ivi.  7."    The  correctness  of  this  state- 
Lnt  is  certified  by  Rev.  Stephen  Bailey,  Treasurer  for  the 
Native  Society  on  Nantucket,  and  by  J.  Hussers,  Register  of 
Probate,  and  a  Judge  of  the  Court  of  Sessions  for  the  County 
of  Nantucket.    Judge  Hussers  writes  :  "As  far  ^^  '"y  know- 
ledge extends,  Mr.  Lake  has  been  a  faithful  labourer  among 
the  coloured  people  here,  and  har.  been  instrumental  in  doing 
much  good.    I  was  present  when  he  delivered  the  discourse 
mentioned  in  his  statement.    The  congregation  was  large  and 
respectable;  and  the  discours .  was  highly  approved  of  by 
all  who  heard  it." 

Passamaquoddy  Indians. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Kellogg  has  persevered  in  his  indefatigable 
labours  for  the  instruction  and  improvement  of  these  Indians, 
with  good  encouragement.    The  building  of  a  schoolhouse, 
and  gathering  of  a  school,  having  been  assigned  to  him,  he  had 
the  materials  for  a  schoolhouse  prepared  at  Portland,  and 
sent  by  water  to  Perry.     Although  some  difficulty  occurred, 
respecting  the  placing  of  it  on  Indian  ground;  the  Indian 
Chiefs  gave  him  leave  to  select  a  scite  for  the  house,  v.-h.ch 
soon  after  arrived,  and  was  set  up  and  finished  in  abo;,t  two 
weeks.     Mr.  Kellogg  writes,  that  the  person  with  whom  ne 
contracted,  did  his  work  faithfully;  and  by  a  grant  of  the 
Secretary  of  War,  and  of  your  Society,  and  by  sundry  dona- 
tions of  Christians  in  Portland,  th'-  bills  were  all  paid,  and 
work  done,  to  our  mutual  satisfaction."    There  was  some 
difficulty,  at  first,  in  bringing  the  children  to  order ;  but  it 
never  interrupted  his  school  for  a  single  day.     He  soon 
found  the  children  had  good  voices,  and  an  ear  for  mi^ic ; 
and  he  taught  them  to  sing  with  aim  eight  lines  of  Dod- 


40 

dridge's  hymn,  "Jesus  the  tender  Shepherd  stands,"  &c. 
"  This,"  he  remarks,"  was  very  intorcsting  to  my  little  charge. 
Deacon  Sock  Bason  came  in  and  found  me  singing  v  ith  the 
children,  and  was  much  pleased.     lie  interpreted  the  lines 
to  the  children,  and  sang  with  us.     I  closed  Avith  prayer. 
He  kneeled  with  me,  and  directed  the  children  to  do  the 
same.    He  translated  the  lines  into  Indian,  and  we  sang  them 
with  the  young  hunters  again  and  again,  and  they  took  copies 
with  them  to  cheer  the  solitude  of  the  wilderness."    Our 
missionary  drilled  them  in  Webster,  so  that  they  made  some 
progress  'n  three  pages.     He  exercised  them  daily  in  learn- 
ing English  words,  and  laboured  to  instruct  them  in  good 
behaviour  and  pure  morals.     He  distributed  the  premiums 
for  cultivating  their  land,  and  a  small  sum  for  the  sick  and 
indigent,  confided  to  him  by  governor  Parris ;  and  the  like 
sums  the  governor  confided  to  him  for  the  present  seasoti, 
with  a  public  letter,  "  setting  forth  the  utility  of  the  under- 
taking."    He  kept  the  Indian  school  four  months.     Sock 
Bason  was  urgent  for  him  to  visit  them  by  the  first  of  May, 
and  to  resume  his  school.   Some  charitable  individuals  helped 
him  to  clothe  about  60  of  his  scholars.    "  The  average  num- 
ber of  his  scholars  would  not  exceed  30.     This  fluctuation  is 
unavoidable  at  present,  unless  we  had  the  means  of  clothing 
and  boarding  them,  which  would  insure  a  constant  attend- 
ance."   The  Catholic  priest  made  him  a  visit,  during  the 
last  year's  mission,  and  nothing  unpleasant  occurred.     The 
more  thorough  experiment  of  the  present  year,  may  probably 
enable  the  Society  to  determine,  how  far  its  efibrts  may 
be  advantageously  continued  to  give  permanency  to  this 
mission. 


Penobscot  Indians. 


The  Select  Committee  having,  after  the  annual  meeting  of 
the  Society  the  last  year,  received  satisfactory  evidence  of 
the  successful  commencement  of  the  instruction  of  these  In- 
dians, voted  a  sum  in  aid  of  the  important  object.    A  school 


41 


icrd  stands,"  &c. 
to  my  little  charge, 
le  singing  v  ith  the 
terpretcd  the  lines 
[)scd  with  pra3-cr. 
hildrcri  to  do  the 
and  we  sang  them 
id  they  took  copies 
wilderness."    Our 
at  they  made  some 
bem  daily  in  learn- 
uct  them  in  good 
jted  the  premiums 
n  for  the  sick  and 
irris ;  and  the  like 
he  present  season, 
ility  of  the  under- 
lur  months.     Sock 
jr  the  first  of  May, 
individuals  helped 
The  average  num- 
This  fluctuation  is 
means  of  clothing 
a  con.stant  attend- 
a  visit,  during  the 
mt  occurred.    The 
^ear,  may  probably 
far  its  eflbrts  may 
ermanency  to  this 


;  annual  meeting  of 
factory  evidence  of 
ruction  of  these  In- 
t  object.    A  school 


had  been  established  among  these  Indians,  who  live  princi- 
pally on  the  islands  in  the  Penobscot  river.  It  was  com- 
menced under  the  patronage  of  "  The  Society  for  the  Benefit 
of  the  Penobscot  Indians,"  which  was  formed  in  Bangor  in 
April,  1823.  Mr.  Fifxd,  the  instructor,  had,  at  different 
tia;es,  40  scholars,  but  not  more  than  25  at  any  one  time. 
It  was  his  opinion,  that  between  50  and  100  children  might 
eventually  be  collected  in  this  school,  were  a  judicious  course 
persevcringly  pursued.  "  The  children  had  made  good  pro- 
ficiency since  he  was  with  them,  considering  the  state  of 
ignorance  in  which  he  found  them,  and  that  they  have  also 
a  new  language  to  acquire."— -The  attention  of  the  Society's 
missionaries  in  the  region  of  Penobscot  was  directed  to  these 
Indians  several  years  since ;  but  there  was  then  no  favoura- 
ble opening  for  missionary  service  among  them.  A  valuable 
report  on  that  subject,  by  one  of  the  Society's  former  mis- 
sionaries, Rev.  Mr.  May,  who  had  instruction  to  visit  the 
Penobscot  Indians,  is  on  the  files  of  the  Secretary.  It  is 
devoutly  wished,  the  lime  for  meliorating  their  condition  may 
have  come ;  and  it  is  honourable  to  the  Christian  character 
of  their  neighbours,  that  they  have  begun  the  work. 

In  consideration  of  the  recent  and  increasing  encourage- 
ment for  the  establishment  and  maintenance  of  Indian  schools, 
the  Select  Committee  recommend  to  the  Society  a  respectful 
application  to  the  National  Government  for  a  grant  to  the 
Indian  tribes,  among  which  its  missions  are  sustained,  to  aid 
in  carrying  into  effect  a  design,  of  such  vast  importance  to 
the  natives  themselves,  and  to  the  whole  community. 

By  order  of  the  Select  Committee, 

A.  HOLMES,  Secretary. 

October  31,  1825. 


6 


42 


FUNDS  OF  THE  SOCIETY 


Union  Bank  Stock  .        -        -        - 

Bonds  and  Mortgages  -         -        - 

Massachusetts  Bank  Stock       -        -        - 
Suffolk  Bank  Stock     -        -        -        - 
Washington  Bank  Stock  -        -        - 

N.  E.  Marine  Insurance  Company  Stock 

Deduct  amount  of  Hon.  J.  Alford's  Donation 
with  its  proportion  of  Income,  being  for 
the  exclusive  use  of  the  Indians, 

Subsequent  to  this  statement  in  May,  the 

Treasurer  has  received  from  Hon.  Wm. 

Phillips,  for  distribution  the  current  year 
From  "  Females  in  Cape  Elizabeth,''''  through  } 

Rev.  E.  Kellogg,  S 

From  Friends  in  Winslow,  through  Rev.  T.  > 

Adams,  3 

At  Chauncy-Place  Church,  collection  after 

the  annual  Sermon  by  Rev.  Dr.  Codman, 

3d  November, 


OFFICERS 

ELECTED  XXVI  MAY,  MPCCCXXV. 

Hon.  William  Phillips,  President. 

Rev.  Eliphalet  Porter,  d.  d.  riGe-^President. 

Rev.  Ariel  Holmes,  d.  d.  Secretary. 

Rev.  John  Pierce,  d.  d.  Assist.  Secretary. 

Samuel  H.  Walley,  Esq.  Treasurer. 

Mr.  JosiAH  Salisbury,  Vice  Treasurer. 

SELECT  COMMITTEE, 

Alden  Bradford,  Esq.  Rev.  Charles  Lowell,  d.  d.  Josiah 
Salisbury,  Edward  Tuckerman,  Esquires,  and  Levi  Hedge,  ll.  d. 
—with  the  President,  Secretary,  and  Treasurer. 


lETY. 

nom.ral,     proh.tat 
$  6300         378 


4S 

AUDITING  COMMITTEE. 

Edward  Tuckeuman,  Eowj^rd  Phillips,  aiid  Alden  BiuDroRi), 

Esquires. 


16500 
1000 
1000 
1250 
1200 


990 
60 
60 

62  50 
96 


MISSIONARIES,  1825. 


1646  50 
643  80 


Rev.  Nathan  Douglas, 
Jonathan  Calef, 
John  Sawyer, 
Elijah  Kellogg, 
Josiah  Peet, 
Jonathan  Bigelow, 
Freeman  Parker, 
Thomas  Adams, 
Carlton  Hurd, 


Alfred  and  vicinity, 
Lyman  and  do. 
Plantations  on  Penobs.  R. 
Perry  Si  Passam.  Indians, 
Norridgwock,  &c. 
Lubec  &L  Cape  Elizabeth, 
Dresden  and  do. 
Vassalboro'  and  do. 


18,250 
•       500 


1102  70 


months, 

2 

2 

2 

5 

1 

2 

2 

3 

2 

2 
8  sabbaths. 
6  weeks. 


161  45 


cxxv. 


,t. 


ce-^President. 

•y. 

cretary. 


EE. 

LowEL"^.,   D.  D.    Josiah 
and  Levi  Hedge,  ll.  d. 
usurer. 


v^oiiiuii  »*%«.-  Fryeburg  and  do. 

Messrs.  Douglas  &  Page,  Cape  Elizabeth, 

Peter  Nou.se,  Vicinity  of  Ellsworth, 

James  Weston,  Lebanon  and  vicinity. 

Grant  to          -        -  -        Sullivan,  Maine, 

Do.        ...  Isles  of  Shoals       -        -      faO 

Do     .        .        .  -        for  the  purchase  of  Books    50 

Do".        ...  -    Calais  (Maine)     -        -    100 

Frmn  the  Alford  Fund. 

Indians  at  New  Stockbridge  and  Green  Bay         $175 
r.  Baylies  for  Indians  on  Martha's  Vineyard,    j     ^^q 

NSU-raganset,  and  Nantucket,  S 

Mr.  Joseph  Lake     do. ^  Nantucket  and  vicinity      76 

Mmhers  deceased  since  the  last  Report. 

Hon.  Thomas  Dawes, 
Rev  Elijah  Parish,  d.  d. 
♦  Daniel  D.  Rogers,  Esq. 

-,  Members  Elected. 

Hon.  Richard  Sullivan, 
James  P.  Chaplin,  M.  D. 
Rev.  Henry  Ware,  jun. 
Hon.  Samuel  Hubbard, 
Rev.  Benjamin  B.  Wisner, 
JohnC.  Warren,  M.D. 


44 

l"OHM  OF   A  BEQUEST,  OR  LEGACY. 

Item :  /  give  and  bequeath  the  mm  of  to  the  Sockhj 

for  propagating  the  Gospel  among  the  Indians  and  others  in  North 
America;  to  be  applied  fc-'h"-  to  the  general  objects  of  tbe  In- 
stitution, or  to  sucii  particular  purposes,  consistent  with  those 
objecifl,  as  the  Donor  may  think  proper. 


THE   EKB. 


\cy. 


to  the  Sucicti 


and  others  in  JVurih 
i\  objects  of  the  In- 
msiatenl  with  tiiusc 


f;mmu,minmiss*«^4im:»s^''ii^i^'ii'<-''A^'-3;- 


